The Forrest City times., 1897-12-24

the nodding white flowers tendcrly.
 Like that in your buttonhole?"
 "Yes. I sent them on Christmas eve five years ago tonight. And there was foolish note with them asking her if she loved me to wear them to the Dwight's party"
 And she didn't wear them?"
 "She didn't even go, and I. fool that I was, went to see why. Her aunt was to go with her-I had ordered carriage. There were lights all about the house. dim one was in the parlor. I used often to go to the French window that opened on the veranda and save wait ing at the hall door. That night the lace curtains were drawn across the win dow, but the blinds were open. Twas about 10 push the window open when l saw Rose seated on sofa across the room. She wore bright loose-looking dress, and her face was pale and earnest. Beside her" He stopped a moment and loosened his collar. Then he went on: Beside her on the sofa sat Rex Hill-you recollect young doctor who used to be with old Dr. Bellamy?"
 Tom nodded. He had forgotten Rex Hill, but that didn't matter.
 Well, he sat there talking to her and holding her hand, and presently she burst out crying and-and-my eyes burned so I couldn't see very we'll. but her head went down on his breast, and T reckon I was wild. mad. The next l knew l was on a train that was speed ing westward, and the Christmas sun was rising"
 Tom blew his nose; Jack covered his face with his hands. There was little stir among the bandboxes behind them, and a hand in gray cotton glove was laid on Jacks shoulder.
 "Oh, sir" squeaked small, mouse like voice, "thatwas the night her father died. Dr. Bellamy was sick and he sent for the young man. was there, spend- ing Christmas. It was strolke-so sud- den and unexpected. Rosy couldn't be- lieve-she couldn't sense it. I saw her dressed for the party in her pretty white frock with the Christmas roses in her hair and on her breast, and l saw her when the news came. She was almost crazy. She tore off the party finery, but she put the roses in water, and after wards she set 'ein out and they grew them's the same roses. put the red wrapper on her, and the young doctor undertook to tell her that her father'd have to die, for couldn't (though I'm not one to shirk my duty), and I've stood by her ever since. Rosy never meant no harm-she never was bold. There's not many like Rosy"
 The car door opened and the porter yelled "Centerville." There was stir among the bandboxes, flourish of the umbrella, and the quaint little figure fiuttered out before either of the men could speak or move. And after she was gone they were quite still until presently Tom got out his cigars and went into another car.
 The sun shone bright enough Christ mas morning when Tom and his guest left the car for the carriage that would take them home.
 "You see, I'll have to see Minnie all to myself, just at first, that's why she won't be in the hall. I'll just tumble you into the parlor for moment until l gather my senses. Compensations, you see. It isn't so bad being a travel ing man-there are so many home-com- ings!" Tom said, holding the carriage door open while they were speeding on.
 That was how it came about that Jack walked into the bright warm parlor to find Il little blue-eyed woman with Christmas roses in her hair sitting alone in the ruddy glow of the yule-tide fire. His eyes grew bright and soft as the little woman rose. flushing and con- fused.
 Are you wearing the Christmas roses for me, dear?" he asked, humbly.
 I-you don't care for them, Jack"
 "Indeed do. I want the sweetest of all the roses for my own, little girl. May have it, now?"
 A mischievous sparkle frightened the blue eyes. "How can I tell which is sweetest?" she asked.
 May I take my choice?"
 Then Tom and Minnie came and after them the "kids," and altogether it was very happy Christmas.
 "The rosiest sort of rosy time," Tom said, pinching Rose Ellison's pink cheek.-Ellen Frizell WycofY, in Mime apolis Housekeeper.