The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1899-12-24
AN UP-To-DATE SANTA CLAUS
A LOVE STORY OF TODAY.
By Susan Brown Robbins.

a girl ii is only natural that you would
be a bit nervous on the day when YOU
know that you are 10 be allowed to do II.
Ida lived with her brother, and every
time Fletcher called TO see her either the
brothers wife or his children were in TIE
room, so there was never chance to say
anything TO her alone.
Fletcher admitted that Mrs. Stafford was
a very charming woman. that he was un-
commonly fond of the children, and that
ii was delightful to see Ida so devoted 10
her 9ephews and nieces. But 1t was natur-
al that he should rather resent the stupid
intrusion of the family, as he chose to call
it,
At last, however, his opportunity had
come. 1t was the day before Christmas.
gone to her mothers for several DAYS.
Now, with Ida left at home with the
two servants, and her brother not coming
till evening" Fletcher could say 10 her
those things he had been longing 10 say,
but which he could not bring himself 10
write in letter nor to declare before the
assembled family.
At length, after what seemed a very
long waiting, some one was coming. He
stood up and looked eagerly toward the
doorway. The porliere was thrust aside.
and in walked-Teddy-Tedd who in
Fletcher's opinion was the worst pill in the
whole body as far as staying power and
keen observation were concerned.
''Hullo, Teddy he said, not very cor
daily. Il thought you had gone to spend
Christmas with your grandma"
''I didn't co. said Teddy.
There was that in his appearance which
seemed to tell of some recent storm now
succeeded by calm.
You see grandma's kind of sick, and
she can't stand noise very well, and she
thinks Frank and me both al one time are
too much. The others. she says, are old
enough TO behave themselves but she
thinks Frank and l are better apart. l
went last year. 1t wasn't much fun, and
this time I'm going to stay with Aunt
Ida"
do you expect visit from Santa
Claus tonight"
"Oh. spose So" wearily. I'd just like
to see him, thought His manner grew
more animated.
why, what would you dor"
I'D tell him what l think of him."
'And what is that?"
"Oh, that 1 think he's a fraud Pre-
tendin he comes in a sleigh when the
ground has been bare for a month And
RENDERS, too! Who does he think is go
ing to believe that? Why doesn't he come
on a bicycle?'
His fur overcoat would be rather in the
way" said Fletcher gravely. And he's
pretty old, too, and maybe does not know
how to ride, and besides, how would he
bring the presents?"
whats the use of presents, anyway?
never have anything that's any good
81 think you have the blues to-day"
said Fletcher, and then he did not speak
again, though Teddy tried to draw him
out
He seemed to be in a brown study and
nothing reused him till Ida came in, and
even then he did not say much and stayed
only short time.
1t was in the evening thai a card was
brought to Teddy. On IL was written San
ia Claus" Teddys eyes sparkled. Tell
him to come in" he said grandly.
moment later Santa Claus stood be-
fore him. tall, fur clad figure with flow
ing hair and beard. Teddy shook hands
and introduced the guest to his aunt.
Did you find il good sleighing?" Teddy
asked. And how are the reindeers?'
Il did not come on runners, young man."
said Santa Claus. Perhaps you did not
know that there is no snow on the
ground"
"Bicycle?" asked Teddy.
mo, | came in motor carriage"
"a motor carriage" cried Teddy incred-
uIously. Then he ran to the window and
looked out. 1T is, Aunt Ida" he said,
excitedIy, coming back. "You can see it
just as plain, out under the electric light"
II did not bring you any presents" said
Santa Claus, "as heard you did not care
for them, but would like to take you a
little ride if your aunt will go too? came
early''-glancing at the cIock-"so that
can get back and attend TO the boys and
girls who like to have presents"
"Of course we will co. said Teddy
promptly. II never have been in a motor
carriage"
Ida hesitated moment, then she wrote
hasty mole 10 her brother, 'eeaving It
where he would find 1t when he came home
and went to get her wraps.
Say, Aunt Ida" Teddy whispered,
when she put on his leggins. Say, it's MIR.
Fletcher, did you know it? knew him by
his nice brown eyes"
In a few moments the three were on
their way, well protected from the cold
bracing air by an abundance of furs and
wraps. There was no moon, but after the
lighted streets of the town were past, the
stars shown down on them brightly.
Teddy was wild with delight and his
tongue ran on rapidly. At length there
were occasional pauses, then longer ones,
interrupted by disjointed remarks. Final
ly there was total silence. Fletcher bent
over so that he could see the child's face,
then he looked at Ida and smiled
Fast asleep, he said softly. 81 sup
pose he ought to be In bed, but can't he
sleep out of doors just as well?"
Il don't know she said, doubtfully
Perhaps it will do no harm. He cannot
possibly be cold" and she covered him a
little more closely.
They went on for a little in silence.
Fletcher was trying to compose his speech.
Il don't know how to say it," he burst
out desperately at length. Il keep forget
ting how look, and If say it the way
want TO it will be perfectly ridiculous.
And yet l must say it, for 1 may never
have another chance"
She was looking at him, her startled eyes
dark and luminous In the starlight.
Perhaps You do not need to say 1t, she
said quietly.
DO you mean that you understand
without by telling your he asked eagerly.
Haven't you ever heard of womans
intuition?" she returned, shyly.
yes. but do you mean that you do
that you will"
Yes she answered. very low.
NaNlyA I'D