The Norfolk Virginian. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 186?-189?, 1896-12-20

Copyright. 1896. Syndicate Press. New
York

York;
There" said said Mrs. Dolly Baxter,
sinking into her rocking chair, "there!'
The mince pies and doughnuts for the
Carriers are made. the animal cookies
for the little Hisglnses all done. I've
finished the flannel skirt and wooden
wrapper for Grandma Collins and
bought her warm shawl besides: yes
and left the order for a turkey and
some coal for Mrs. Epperson. and I've
filled all those candy bags for the mis-
sion school. How l do love Christmas!
No: I'm sure | haven't forgotten Il sin
gle poor family in MIDI thorough
Her face dimpled at the thought, and
the brown eyes gazing Into the fire.
grew soft and tender. IL feel as If
ought to do ali the good | can. because
! started so late in life" she added
thoughtfully. Poor E.ben. In all the
fifteen years of our married life, he
never would let me spend a cent for
Christmas. How he did pinch and save
and after all, he had to leave 1t be-
hind him. wonder If the dead do see
things going on here below" she muir
INJURED dreamily. II hope not, with
a glmmer of II smilc). What would
I:ben do If he could see my kitchen
now. I'm afraid he wouldn't enjoy his
home in glory bit Those cakes and
pies would strike more terror TO his
IL
soldiers.
He'd think right away of all the
sugar Il took to make 'em. Poor liben
well. he couldn't help 1t. | suppose: he
was just naturally close" She lapsed
into silence; then she rose slowly from
her chair. And to think it's just two
years last fall since he died" she wills
pered But Grandma Collins won't
get her presents until Tomorrow at this
rate" she began more cheerfully. I've
set my heart on seeing that shawl on
her to-day. | must get ready at once;
these December days are so short"
! She passed quickly on into the little
/ bedroom beyond, and opened a closet
door. y row of black dresses hung there
and almost smpercentibly she shivercd.
\ She stood still irresolutcly for mo-
/ ment. then her face took on firmer
| look. i've notion" she whispered
/ softly. I've a great notion to put on
I that brown dress. Its been n terrible
aliliction for me to wear black for two
years. | never wanted TO put 1t on in
! the first place. Yes. | will: I'll wear
the brown dress and the velvet hat to
! match It,
ITS Christmas and I've right to be
happy IN my own way. I don't believe
| Eben would care If he knew" She
reached her hand carefully back into
! the innermost reccsscs of the coset. and
! after moment or two of search. Dire y
forth In triumph soft brown dress
She looked at 1t almost with affection
How pretty 1t is" she said. as she
| stroked It's folds with an appreciative
touch 81 never did like black. why
actually believe I'm plumper than !
used to be-" calculated she, as she fas.
tened up the hooks and eyes, and set.
tied the coquettish little collar, "anG
no wonder" she murmured under hel
breath. mot that | mean any disre.
t'hnn hn ,,r
much" But when the dress was fairly
donned. the velvet hat placed over the
wealth of braids, that only showed here
and there silver thread, she smiled
II feel like the old woman who fell
asleep on her way to market. and who
awoke to find her petticoats cut round
about Can this be I?' she added. still
smiling at the pretty reflection the glass
revealed. We'll, Dolly BAXTER" she
concluded. after moments critical sur
! vey. you're not such a bad looking
woman after all, lf you are thirty
seven; but. there, all this foolishness
| won't take Grandma Collins her Sha WI
I'm thinking" She slipped into her
cloak, passed into the sitting room and
soon had her bundles In her arms ready
to depart.
She locked the front door behind her
with joyful face. IT'S so pleasant to
be able to make people happy" she
| Thought, SUll.lHpiN. once out IN the in
| MIGRATING frosty air. her spirits grew
! lighter and lighter with Anticipated
| pleas sure. The shop-keepers nodded
gaily as she passed by. rosy checked
children stopped to receive n cheerful
smile and happy word. and old friends
and neishbors, who knew something of
her past. hard life. greeted her blithcly.
| All but one, old Mrs. Merrydew. who
passed her on the way and stopped,
regarding the sweet-faced woman in the
brown dress suspiciously. why, i
didn't know YOU" began the old lady
severely, lin that new brown dress.
You don't mean to tell me. Dolly Baxter.
you've goin' out OF mournn'?"
| Mrs. BaNter's face flushed "It isn't
very new. Mrs. Merrydew," she return
ed in deprecating tone. Il had It be-
fore Eben died, and, yes. I'm not going
| 10 wear black any more" There was
| just the least touch of defiance In the
! sweet voice.
|. We'll, / declare" answered the ter
rihle old lady, with sniff, eve worn
| black for Samuel for twenty years. and
shall wear it till I die. That's little
enough respect TO pay to the memory
| Of q husband, | think" Mrs. Dolly
tried to smile. but failed woefully ut
may suit you. Mrs. Merrydew." was her
almost fearful reply, but | don't like
black. 1t gives me the blues. too. and
almost makes me sick. l thought to-