The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1897-12-24

very much except themselves; but then
they minded a good deal, which made up
for it.
However. when the estrangement had
lasted for a whole fortnight-fully ten days
beyond the usual period-their friends be-
came concerned; and as it drew near Christ
mas day the pater was quite angry.
''Those two young fools might just as well
make it up now as 60 moping about all
through Christmas time and spelling every
one else's fun" he grumbled. And the dear
little mater spoke of them with a sorrowful
shake of the head. Could not the pater give
Tom hint that Aggie was fretting: Per
haps if he were to drop in one evening 10 see
the children, now baby was growing so!
But pater thought that, as Aggie was ma
ter's sister, and ten years younger according
to the unimpeachable testimony of the
family Bible, it was rather a matter for
sisterly advice SO neither interviewed, and
the tenth Tor was it the eleventh:) parting
for forever" had lasted three weeks on
Christmas eve At this point all the family
agreed that something must be done
eff you don't speak to Aggie, | shall have
to speak to her myself" said pater, firmly,
as he put on the Santa Claus coat with the
big pockets, to sally forth in the morning
''No, no, my dear, l really can't ask poor old
Tom to eat humble-pie. | don't consider
that he was to blame at all. He was prac-
tieally bound to 60 and play for his club
that afternoon. and she could have gone to
the show Just as well in the evening. Women
never will understand that men 'Oh,
pateri" expostulated the mater, softly, ''ex-
cept you, my dear, always excepting YOU
But you are unique" Then mater laughed
and he kissed her. "Oh, but l hope you
won't. JOHN she said, coaxingly. Poor
old Ag has been crying her eyes out all the
time: but she's too proud to make overtures,
though she owns she was partly to blame.
If YOU could bring him round, now, TO pay
the compliments of the season to me, or to
see the children!' 'Umph," said pater,
rather shortly, Il shall lose my train if L
stop any longer; and ought to have caught
the one before, really" Mater didn't
bother him any further. She saw twinkle
In his eve; and she had been married TO him
for nine years, and knew his ways, you see.
But, presumably, he remembered when
Tom Whose chief he was) looked into his
private room about lunch time to pay his
respects. You're coming round tomorrow
afternoon, of course, old man, said pater,
in his most everyday tone. But Tom looked
very glum and shook his head. Nonsense"
CALCULATED pater wrathfully, you were the
friend of the family before Miss Aggie came
to live with us, the little mink. You'd never
desert the youngsters on Christmas day?
Molly and Dot are always asking about
Uncle Tom, and I'm sure the boy will re-
member you. He's growing fine big chap
now, and walks all over the place; he fell
downstairs twice last week" mo, no, old
man. replied Tom, miserably, Il can't
come; really can't. I've got lot of things
to send round for the kids, bless their little
hearts, and thought you wouldn't mind if
/ sent something for the mater; you've al
ways been awfully kind to me, both of you.
I've bought a little present for Ag, to have
it ready in case she-we-perhaps we
shan't ever-but-" At this point the view