St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1901-12-18


any one but my own selfish self. know
very well that Rachel has looked with
envious ewes at my lur collar. Now aun-
tie sent me my new ore can pass the
other along, only she was so hateful a
the fair last year, making me do all the
hard work at our table, but Barbara's
preach will stay, and as little Ruth says,
If I've got to, I've got to, and that's all
there is to it," And pulling her hood
down closer she went sturdily on, pass
ing throngs of people hurrying home.
Men with coat collars turned high, wOm-
en- wrapped in warm iurs, many arms
filed with bundles suggestive of Christ
mas cheer.
At the corner of a street a shri'l voice
said Papers, Miss. Record, Herald,
| Globe?"
Looking down at the ragged little
chap whose hands were red with cold,
she said, "If you will let me have a paper
that will tell me something good about
the weather | will take it" Snatching
one from his bundle be said, "By cracky!
Here you have it, miss The Record is
the only paper that will give the weather
fair and square. The Record is always
in it,"
Handing him a penny, Mildred took
the paper, her eyes falling on the first
page. This is what she read: "Bluster-
ing through the night. Probability OF
more snow Wednesday"
Fair and square, | should say, she
thought, and turning around she saw
her boy of business racing down the
street, shouting at the top of his voice,
Record, Herald, Globe, full account of
the blcckades, bargains and bankrupts."
Laughing heal tily she FASTENED her steps,
for the twilight was falling asst.
"Whither so fast, Miss Mildred may
walk with your" said deep voice at Der
side, and she looked into the kindly face
of her paster, who continued, "You must
be on some mission bent to be out in this
storm. | was on nv way to see your
ia her. Will he be in?"
ut is papa's office hours, Mr.. Brigham;
he will be glad to see you. l am not on
mission. Twas moralrzing on the total
depravity of newsboys in general and
pecially of one who just sold me
paper by holding forth promise OF fair
weather. But another thing Couldyou
help me, Mr., Brigham" burst forth Mil
dred impusively. Ought a person to
make presents unless prompted by love!
Oh, have been at Mrs. Weymouths and
she was head deep in packing box,
packing sunshine, she said suggested
she let it out, as we were all in need of a
little. l have plenty of things to give
away and know where they would fit, but
l don't like some Of the people very well,
but l can't get rid OF Barbara's Have
you had kindness shown? Pass it on"
And Mildred tramped along regardless
of where she stepped and suddenly found
herself sitting on the sidewalk in front OF
her home. Carefully assisting her to get
up Mr.. Brigham said, That was unpar-
donable in me, Miss Mildred saw that
piece of icy walk and should have seen
that you were safely past it. You are
not hurt?"
mo indeed" said Mildred, bursting
into gale Of laughter, as she
looked at the good man whose face
was a picture of dismay, while, in his
haste to help her, he had tipped his hat
on one side.
With little bit of mischief, she said
"if could find some one else who had
fallen. could pass that kindness on. AS
it is, Mr.. Brigham, you are losing your
hat" And this girl who was such a
com bination of real worth and pu4e fur,
opened the door into the wamth and
light of her beau hul home.
Christmas morning dawned bright and
clear. Millions # tiny diamonds were
: sp rkling over the snow erin the cheerful
diningroom, treasures were being found
hidden on shelves, behind chairs, in dark
corners, or any where the good old saint
chose to put them. AS Mildred, with
radiant face, was undoing gift-attergiit
her father said You seem to have some
OF the sunshine you were scattering yes
terday, nv daughter"
e why papa it is like the story in the
= bible. The more give the more have, "
+ was the reply.
Scarcely were they through breakfast
when the door suddenly opened, anc
j Mildred felt pair of arms around hel
e neck and voice exclaiming, "You DEAF
Mildred, what a darling you are to give
y me that lovely collar. | was simply {
i ht,rrid thing to let you work so at oul
s. fair, bu never will again never, never
t never"
Il "Why Rachel, don't smother me. That
i is WOISt lHdu luC COIldis ACIly III ISL
u mas, said Mildred as she came out from
t. the embrace, flushed and smiling.
it While they were chatting, Mildred
! brother Fred tossed her letter just lei
by the postman, saying, Another pres
IL ent, Sis, brink note probably this time.
" II guess not, Fred" she answered
d smilingly. "Only note from some c
e the girls, presume"
Ny dear Mss Talbot:
9 cannot come to you but Unjust tie
ID you what your kindness has done for us
)" The long illness OF my husband and tn
= constant drain on our money, meant n
~ Christmas or our little ones, the first sine
u they were born that | cou not hang VI
Y their stockings. Yesterday when | e1
In planned to May and Ronald that SAINT
" Claus could not come this year, lit
- May said, why mamma, does mt Jesr
, know papa is sick -? and can't he te
k Santa Claus? | will tell him when "a
Il. my prayers tonight, p'raps he did /
he det." Don't you think He heard h
~ prayer, Miss Talbot? How else cou
Al you know of us? When the box can
h, last night, can you imagine with whi
he eager haste the little stockings were fl
Ike ed ? And can you hear the little VOC
tn shouting over the toys and Mays vol