St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1897-12-25

five years ago tonight. And there
was a foolish note with them asking her
ii she loved me to wear them to the
Dwight's party"
"And she didn't wear them?"
''She didn't even go, and l. fool that l
was, went to see why. Her aunt was to
go with hcr-I had ordered carriage.
There were lights all about the house.
A dim one was in the parlor. l used
often to go to the French window that
opened on the veranda and save wait
ing ut the hall door. That night the lace
curtains were drawn across the win
dow, but the blinds were open. was
about 10 push the window open when
I 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 moment
and loosened his collar. Then he went
on: "Beside her on the sofa sat Rex
Hill-you recollect a young doctor who
used to be with old DIR. Bellamy?"
Tom nodded. He had forgotten Rex
Hill, but that didn't matter.
swell. he sat there talking to her and
holding her hand. and presently she
hurst out crying and-and-my eyes
burned SO couldn't see very well, but
her head went down on his breast, and
IL reckon I was wild, mad. The next
| knew I 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 hand in a gray cotton glove was
laid on Jacks shoulder.
| ''Oh. sir" squeaked small. mouse
like voice, 'that wasth night her father
died. DR.. Dellamy was sick and he sent
for the young man. Twas there. spend
ing Christmas. 1t was q stroke-so sud-
den and unexpected. Rosy couldn't be-
lieve-she couldn't sense it. saw her
dressed for the party in her pretty white
frock with the Christmas roses in her
hair and on her breast, and saw her
when the news came. She was almost
crazy. She tore on the party finery.
hut she put the roses in water. and after
wards she set 'em out and they grew
them's the same roses. I put the red
wrapper on her, and the young doctor
undertook TO tell her that her father'd
have to die. for l 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 ''Ccnterville." There was q stir
among the bandboxcs, . 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.
J 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. Til 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
gather my senses. Compensations.
you see. 1t isn't 80 bad being travel
| ing man-there are 70 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 q 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 . the
little woman rose. flushing and con-
fused.
~Are you wearing thoC Christmas roses
for me, .dear?' he asked. Aumbly.
~I-you don't care for them. Jack"
syndeed do. want the sweetest It