Evening journal., 1899-12-22

But no increase or comforts had
come 70 the home. OF actual necessa.
ries there was no want, but no luxu-
ries. Holidays were the same as 9th
er days, and birthdays passed unno-
tleed.
But, although the resentment soon
passed away the disappointment re-
mained, and some very bitter tears
fell on her work. Then gentler
thoughts came 10 her; she was think
ing OF her mothers life OF hard work,
and self-denlal Was it any wonder
she had no sympathy with youth,
when the orphan glrl, obliged to rely
on herself from childhood, had had no
youth?
ooh" thought Oily. "if / could on
" make mother a real happy Christ
mast / don't believe she ever had one
any more than we have"
What made her think of her five.
dollar gold piece then?
"Therew said she tiiumphantly,
aloud, III she'll only let us have 1t
she needn't spend a cent? I'll do It all
myself and let the music lessons gor'
A sharp pang pierced her heart as
she came to this decision for the 50
Represented many hours hard work in
the hot sun. picking berries. with one
great object in view.
.'pn get Walter 20 help mer' she
thought, he can do anything with ma" /"
Walter was sixteen--a bright, lively
boy. fond OF amusement. but willing
TO work.
The two marched boldly into the sit
ting room and confronted their moth
'rr.
Oily told her mother all their plans,
sud begged her 10 reconsider her re
rulsal. and turn it into consent. III
won't cost you anything, MOTHER
said Dilly eagerly, "and you'll have
Just as much fun as any Of us. DC
say yes, mother"
Mrs. Dillcnbecl's first feeling was
one OF anger Mt Dilly's persistence
and / am afraid her answer would moi
have been very pleasant, had It moi
been for Walter. He was a wise boy
in his day and generation, and knew
a good deal of human nature. He put
bis arm around his mother, gave her Q
good hug and imprinted loud, boy
lsh smack on her cheek. That Is
he started to kiss her cheek, but a sh,
turned her head in surprise, the kiss
landed sQnarely on her ear.
Now. II there is anything that gives
a mother pleasure IL is a kiss from
her Dig boy" Perhaps because so
rare.
Mrs. Dilenbeck's face softened, and
she said: "Why. Walter, you great
bear, you've mussdd my collarl DO
you want 10 hang up your stocking
foO?"
"You betia said Walter. 'I'yo al
ways wanted 20. and now Dilrs going
TO be Santa Claus, 1 have got n good
chance. Don't spoil 1t by saying no,
Jnother."
"wcll. then. so ahead" she said,
'rll cook you a dinner, but l shan't
spend any money for presents. Don't
expect st."
1--WE don'tr said Walter. "We'n fur
nlsh tho collateral ourselves. Three
more for turkey and plum pudding!
And three more for Christmas! Hip,
hip. hurrahr
He gave his mother another hug,
mnssiDg thc other side OF her collar,
kissed her again. this time on the nose,
aud bounded out OF the room, and Dill
IL, TOO pleased TO say anything. went
upslairs. That night Dilly and Walter
sat up for long time planning for the
coming festival. The next day they
borrowed their mothers horse, "Old
Dobbln." and went 10 town TO make
their Christmas purchases.
TITS better to so early" said Dilly
wisely, "for I've read in the papers,
they always marked their goods up at
! Christmas. and though we have quite
good deal Of money, we've got n
good many TO buy for and have to
make every cent count"
I'll leave you 10 imagine the trials OF
the clerks who waited on these very
particular young people. In the first
place they wanted TO buy $40 shawl
for So.
They finally compromised on one
marked Sc, on which the clerk threw
or a dollar. They had decided to take
material for an apron for Lefty, who
was IL and cared more for pretty
clothes than anything else.
Walters choice was turkey red
"mIght as well get something stun
ming" he said. And it took the united
persuasions Of the clerk and Dilly L
convince him a fine white one trimmed
with lace would be more suitable. Dill
ly allowed him 10 select Franks pres
cnt. His choice was soon made. III
said, "a feller s years old that's neve
had but one jack-knife, and that al
old one with one blade. would rathe
e have new one than anything else.
> When IL came to buying the doll 10
y G-year-old Miliic there was again dii
Z ference OF opinion.
Walters choice hesiiated betwee
; negro boy, 4 Chinaman with Ion
. pigtail and n sailor Dilly. howeve
u was firm and purchased little blond
o beauty, with blue eyes and flaxen hal
There was still some money lef
6 which they exDended in candy an