The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1897-12-23

y
I'm on the road, you know. It would
help her, and she'd be glad 1 thought
of it. Let's see." He took slim black
book from his pocket. 1--WE just the
number of miles here on this ticket.
1t won't be any good next year," tearing
out a bit of paper. "You just use it,
and I'll go and send a telegram to Min
ME-" And before Rose could collect
her wits he had snatched up the flowers
and was gone, and there on the counter
lay the crisp $40 bill and railroad
ticket!
Its like fairy VISIT" Rose laughed
peering between the roses at the men as
they walked off. 'And he wouldn't
come in! I wonder why? He-oh, he
has the rose in his coat! My little
Christmas rose. I wonder if he remem-
bers?'
The men were out Of sight, and Rose
turned from her fowery window, and
snatching up the money and ticket hur-
rned into the little room at the back OF
the store.
1--WE found that recipe, Rosy. The
cheap fruit cake, you know" squeaked
a little voice.
"Oh, aunty, you can't do it. You
needn't to. Three eggs and not shred
Of citron@ Burn the recipe. You are
going to Apend Christmas with Cousin
Serena, after ALT"
Rose Ellison!"
Eyes, I've been so lucky. I'm going
to tile city, and But your train leaves
in an hour. Let's hurry aunty, else
you'll have to wait until tomorrow
afteruoon!".
"Rosy, dear, don't understand"
Rose caught the quaint little figure in
her arms, and kissed the puzzled face.
"You needn't. Just get ready. You are
going in an hour. In the morning I'm
going to see Minnie Brown. I've had all
invitation. She's married, You know, to
Tom Wilkins-such a-there's the bell
Do get yourself together, aunty."
Presently aunty entered the store
with big green veil over her queer bon
net and handbook on each arm. while
in one hand she carried blue silk bag
and the other grasped an immense UNI
brella. Into the bag Rose dropped a
handful of coin, and kissing aunty's
flushed, withered old face hurried he1
on. It'll be fine treat to me and
Screny. Rosy. But whatll you do to-
night?"
'Me? Oh, I'll stay with the minister's
wife and help her fiji the wee bit stock
ings. Geta real good time, aunty, dear
4 will, child, but feel all a-futter
with the sadness of it. Kinter off my
feet, you know" Then she trotted on
down the street with the great band.
boxes bouncing like life preservers, un.
der her arms. She was just in time fol-
the train. A little out of breath and q
good deal excited, she settled her be.
longings in the end of her seat. and be-
gan to take comfort.
Two gentlemen in the seat before he1
glanced back at the quaint-little.f figure
and one of them smiled. "Look here
jack" one said; don't let me forget al
the next station to wire Minnie. That
POOR little girl is going down to-mor
row to spend day or SO. It's great
nuisance, our having to 60 to Brightville
instead of straight on home. She'll get
there first, in the morning. Well get. in
at 49, ,.L5.-... 49,
''What girl is it?'' Jack pulled his car
down overNhis curly hair.
"Why, Rose Ellison, of course. was
so sorry for her, Jack, / asked her.
"The dickens you did, Jacks brown
eyes flashed. .:.
"Why, Jack, are you regular woman
hater? The poor little woman is worked
to death, and I warrant she never has {
good time. II I'd thought a moment
but ! was sorry for her. It's such |