The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1899-12-24
READING THE TELEGRAM.

and Wisely Brown was throwing stones
and splashing the water over us Ex-
cept for a few gray hairs and import
ant wrinkles between cur eyes we'll
dress up very well for children
h "Oh. will you dress up like children?
Oh oh, won't that be fun"
Yes; I've just about dubbed over
keeping the surprise from you for a
week past. The guests are invited
and the costumes are planned. ] tried
to think of something entirely new and
different so you would be happy and
contented this first Christmas you
were ever away from home.
''Ill be happy, I know, Aunt Helen
OF course. I'll miss mamma and papa,
because we've always been together
Christmas. but / car write to them
about cur party and they'll send me
present. / want Hope Sargent be-
cause she'll make so much fun; don't
know who else
"Well. I've made out a list for you
there on my desk You may invite
twelve Aunt Helen hustled out of
the room to answer the door bell, which
rang at that moment.
Here is Mrs. Madison, Margaret.
she called from the hall. We have
some work to do on her costume. You
may come with us, or yau can ride over
and invite Hope, and tell her about the
party.
"IH go and invite Hope" Margaret
answered. running to the door. Her
aunt ard Mrs. Madison were ascending
the stairs with mysterious bundles I'M
der their arms.
'.Oh, won't Mrs. Madison make a
pretty girl, Aunt Hefen?" she ex-
claimed. as the little old lady turned
and smiled down at her.
You used to be called the prettiest
II r-iH
Debby?"
YES; just wait, Margaret, till You see
me dressed and my hair in curis. You'll
choose me for your best friend, 1
know"
I'm sure l will. Isn't Aunt Helen
good to plan such a nice time for me?
Papa will bring her something splendid
when / write him about it.
"All I want your father TO give me
is himself, home again safe and sound,
and that closed house open once more.
Now go and see Hope and bring her
hcne with you if you can. Tell her
the party begins tonight for her."
Margaret took her hat from the hall
rack and went out of the front door.
In the adjoining yard was a beautiful
big stone house. The blinds were closed
ard there was deserted look about
the entire place that was very sad at
Christmas time.
Margaret's father and mother had
been travelling in Europe for nearly
year. 1t had not been thought best to
take the little girl out of school, and
so for the first time in her life she was
to be separated from her mother and
father on Christmas day.
Her own little black pony was in
Aunt Helen's stable, and she went
around and saddled and bridled it her
eelf and in a few minutes was gallop-
ing along the road that bordered the
Willamet river
without skating" Margaret said aloud,
looking across the dark flowing river.
Il never knew it TO be SO warm in
December" AS she spoke the wind
suddenly wheeled about to the north
west. and by the time she had reached
Hopes house, a mile away. the mer-
curry had dropped 10 the freezing point
and all the little pools along the road
were crusted with white ice.
Hope ran down to the gate in red
hood and cape to meet Margaret
"Oh Margaret" she called, such
wonderful thing happened just now. /
was wishing it would freeze so We
could have skating Christmas and the
wind turned and it began to freeze"
II was wishing the very same thing
when it happened" said Margaret,
laughing. Il wish could have every
thing 1 wish. as quick as that"
Perhaps if two or three wish at ex-
actIy the same minute, exactly the
same thing. with all their heart and
might it comes true" said Hope. bob
bling about TO keep warm, while Mar
garet was trying her pony. Lets both
wish for something else as hard as
we can and see IL it happens"
Il wish with all my heart and might
thar mamma and papa were going to
be home tomorrow, but it won't bring
them" said Margaret. sadly.
90 wish with all my heart ard might
they were going to be home, too" said
Hope, with a little scream of laughter.
What are you laughing al? asked
Margaret, quickly. turning to look at
her.
tons Christmas time. / know what