Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1897-12-08
CHRISTMAS ROSES.

~ hoi oCSil q uuIl, gray udy, SUNLESS.
1ainless. cheerless, and it was Christ
mas eve sobbing breeze that was
not even cold sighed among the pines
and the leafiess elms that lined the
street of the little southern town.
If the sun would come out, or even
if it would rain! One likes to see
something going on. even if the some
thing is unpleasant. Things seem to
have come to a sort of stand-still. l
wish we We're at home with Minnie and
the kids. She's the sort of person to
keep you from missing the sunshine,
and that"
Jack Allen laughed. You are in
love with your wife. Tom, that's all
Il shouldn't be surprised. You'll un-
derstand why, when you see her. /
wrote her that you were coming. Why.
hello here's a bright spot at last! Look
at those Christmas roses! How white
they are! My mother used to love
them so, and Minnie does. Come in,
Jack. and I'll get a pot for Minnie.
Whose place is it?' glancing up at the
name above the flower filled window
Rose Ellison. Why. let's see. We
used to know her. Jack. Don't you
recollect? She was one of the school
girls graduated with Minnie-pretty
girl. too. Come in"
Thank you, I'll wait here. Want a
cigar. Flowers and old friends are not
in my line," Jack said.
Tom glanced at his friend. who be-
gan to tumble with cigar case, his
back to the beautiful window. ''Surly
old bachelor, Ell? More's the pity" he
said as he opened the door and went in
A trim little lady stood behind the
counter. Her cheeks were good deal
flushed and a curious. wistful light
shone in her pretty blue eyes. She was
trying to compose herself
why, Miss Rose, I'm glad to Stun
BILE upon an old friend. How do you
do? Minnie'll be glad to hear from
you. l stopped to get pot of your
pretty Christmas roses for her. Tom
talked on. and all the time his brigh:
eyes were taking in the details of the
little shop. Presently sort of pain
began to grow in his big. kind heart
Pretty Rose had come to this-to the
wearing of faded. Alended gowns and
the selling of needles and pins ana
flowers. 'They are the prettiest roses
l ever saw" he went on. land l want
the very biggest and sweetest for Min
MES Christmas gift
II love them. every one" Rose said.
setting down fine plant. How is
this one?'
It's a beauty. Will you take this
for it," He threw ten-dollar bill on
the counter.
That? Oh. not even half so much
.'Shucks. You ought to deal with
city florist. I'd be lucky to get Off at
twenty five. My conscience will trou-
bic me- Miss Rose, if / pay less than
ten. Habit is strong. You won't spoii
my Christmas and my pleasure in CIV
ing this to the little woman at home,
will your"
But l, too, have conscience" Rose
laughed.
''But mine is so tender, Miss Rose,
and honor bright. it's a sure thlnS
they charge awful; SO that's all rign'.
Maybe it would be better ii you
throw in a 'button-hole.'
Yes. let me- You've been too gen
erous | feel that / cannot
IN take violets and a sprig OF nut
meg"
And your friend. Won't you take
one for him?" She flushed again.
ITO JACKIE" glancing outside. yes
hut he's surly old fellow, and I doubt
if he'll wear it. It's Jack Allen. you
know. Remember he went West hVe
years ago. l Stumbled upon him at the
hotel-just got back"
Tom noticed how the girls white
hands fiuttered as she tied up his vIo-
lets. and then how she hesitated, ana
at last broke off white rose bud ana
a scented leaf for his friend. ne
pinned on his flowers, and waited while
she deftly wrapped up the pot that
held the Christmas rose.