The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1894-12-22

ne HOff1u llttit NHetiS VIII tNlsl
around and punch him every time he
moves. only hope they will make him
black and blue .
Little dreaming of such unwifely desires.
Charley Winship came home to dinner
1t consisted of sumptuous display of
table cloth, toast and tea, vague and un-
substantial reminder of Molly's usual cosy
dinners
1t was not jsvial meal. it could not
by any possibility be called luxurious
one; but apparently Mr. Winship enjoyed
it.
When the dishes were cleared away he
proposed walk.
II have got to go uptown on bust
ness" he said; II wish you would 90
with me-
'The shop windows and the crowded
streets are worth seeing.
Certainly. if you wish it, she answer
ed.
II have not been accustomed to spend
Christmas Eve on the street; but suppose
it is an inexpensive way to celebrate.
'.Well, yes, he assented, shamelessly.
1t does not cost a cent if you walk, and
| am sure it is a harmless and lively way
of amusing ones self
1t was lively enough out of doors, if
that was all.
Everywhere people were crowding and
jostling each other.
Shop windows were blazing, shop doors
overfowing.
Christmas cheer in every place; Christ
mas greeting on every tongue.
By and by, they left the business part
of the town; the streets grew darker, and
they met fewer people; but still in the
windows hung Christmas garlands, and
shrill sweet laughter, and faint merry
music, told of happy home gatherings, of
joility and mirth
Poor Molly's heart saak ike lead.
The thought of home, of mother and
Alice, and of pretty Prue, the little sister
that was not yet married to any great. un-
feeling brute of man.
1t had always been family custom to
make much of Christmas
At home they were laughing and sing
ing, as they exchanged good wishes and
pretty gifts; while she, alas was out in
the cold
To save her life she could not help one
little. choking sob.
Charley hearing it, stopped abruptly.
They were just in front of small, but
aooreSsivelr brilliant house
Every window was ablaze, every blind
thrown back, every curtain drawn.
Inside, the rooms were like green flowers.
while holly leaves and berries, threw their
merry Christmas greetings, in long fantas-
tic shadows, athwart the glistening snow,
1T is like home, sighed Molly
Mother would never have blind shut,
or a curtain drawn, and the house was ike
a garden always; they know how to keep
Christmas here.
As she spoke, the door opened, and a
form that was strangely familiar stood in
the broad food of outstreaming light
They have come they have come
here is Molly screamed a well remember
ed voice; and the next moment little,
Prue pretty Prue, tore down the steps
Come in come in = she cried; we are
all here, mother and Alice. every one of
us ready and waiting to wish you the mer-
riest Christmas that ever was known
They dragged her into the house help
less and bewildered
They took her hat and wrap, and carried
them away, quite at home in this lovely
dwelling.
''Now is not this perfect surprise?'
demanded Prue; ''and don't you think
that Charley is the very best husband in
in the world?'
eff get one half as good | shall be
more than satisfied turning sharply
toward a well-behaved young man stand
ing alone and unnoticed in corner
by the way, Molly dear, let me make
you acquainted with Mr. Stevens; he
thinks he is engaged to me.
An introduction was something she conld
understand, and it brought Molly partially
to herself
II am sure, said she graciously, Il
am glad to meet you, and | have great
deal of sympathy for you, if what PNe
tells me is the truth. =
How very, very rude : said Prue
'.to try and frighten him. l would not
have believed it of you; you haven't any
manners, you were bad, you haven even
thanked Charley yet.
you have not given her any time.
said Charley, coming loyalty to her rescue;
beside, she has only seen one room
This is your house, Molly; mother and
the girls have furnished it after fashion;
but you can put on the finishing touches.
I have been working out little in1en-
ton the past year; did not tell you about
it. because was afraid that it would never
amount to anything; but it has paid pretty
well lately; so | have been able to get you
a Christmas present that hope you will
| like as well as sealskin cloak
IA house : cried Molly. this dear,
darling little house, our own, our very
own; with piano in it =
20, Charley Winship and | burned the
toast this very night, on purpose; did,
and | boiled the tea
.sWhat horrid woman y said Prue
rehectively. ''Who could every take her
to be my sister
Did you know, you extravagant crea-
ture, that there were three new chamber
sets in this house, and cemented cellarg
Molly did not answer. She did not
care at all for Prue or for Prue young
man. Mother and Alice believed in doing
right, and SO did she.
She went up to Charley very humbly
II have been cross and ugly, and hateful,
said she Il am sorry, will you
Before she could get any further, Charley
had her in his arms, and was kissing her.
She was glad of the chance to hide her
face, and cry little.
Doubtless the tears did her good; but
when she put her hand into her pocket
after a necessary handkerchief, out hoped
those dreadful and inexpensive suspenders.
IL A.. ..I L., tbo~,