The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1902-12-21

humoredly; Il am glad TO see you again.
You have not got lost this time. l hopeS
oh. no, thank you. knew my way
.You have walked'"
Sir Rogers voice took on'a note Of sur
prise. His home was full three miles from
that Of Mr.. Tempest
-Oh. yes, ] walked. ] can walk very
proudly 1T was only that this was
He indicate ed this" with a movement OF
his head Sir Roger regarded the parcel
with some curiosity.
What Is itf' he asked.
'Tl show you said Geon. stiIl rather
breathlessly.
He rose and went to the solid oak table
on which the parcel still reposed II took
him only minute or two TO take on the
then. to Sir Rogers infinite surprise, there
stood revealed the beautiful silver goblet,
around which so many associations clus-
tered-the silver goblet which Godfrey
alWavs called his Christmas Gun.
Why have you brought this goblet 10
me'' said Sir Roger, after a moments
silence, In a strangely altered tone.
His brow knitted itself a. he looked at
the beautifully chased cup, and Godfrey
wondered whether he was sorry to see II
Don't YOU like it'" he asked in an anxious
and disappointed tone. Il thought you
were SO fond of 1t and wanted II 80 much"
who told you that'" said Sir Roger.
looking at the boy.
Burton told me; Burton, the butler.
the cup years ago"
IT was years ago. my dear little boy"
said Sir Roger, very, gently and l, for one
am not angry now
Aren't you? Oh, am so slad But
you would like the Christmas cup. would
you not for YOUR very OWN"
why do you call 1t the Christmas cup?'
Because they always bring 1t out for me
on Christmas eve said Godfrey, eagerly.
and Burton says it used to be called
thing a. Christmas cup, because at Christ
they?"
! wish they did, I wish they did" said
Sir Roger. with sigh But do not under
stand why you have brought me the cup
o-day. bid Mr.. Tempest-did your grand
TO bring i,'"
brought it myself"
But IL was not yours to bringp-
Yes, indeed it was! Grandfather gave
1t me for my very own. You don't think
said Godfrey, reddening and standing very
LONG, to mel'
Il want you to buy it, please
Yes. please. don't want you to give
me great deal for it, but thought per-
haps you would give me-G2"
MY dear little lad. 1t Is worth fifty"
is it? But l did not mean to ask you
for SO much" said Godfrey, with a lip
that began to tremble "a he spoke Il
wanted 81 or f5-just for something
special, and | thought you would like to
It's my very own; grandfather gave il to
me, and may do Just a. like with it"
Does he carr SO little for the thing
which cost Us both so dear2' said Sir Roger
bitterly. Then he made a hasty move
nent Of his hand as Il to put some singing
different tone. should like the cup very
much, my dear, for II once belonged TO my
family. and there are memories which
make me value 1t. but before | say will
take it from you should like to know. il
you do not mind telling me. what reason
you have for wanting to SELF it
don't think | mind telling you" Geof-
frey said, drawing step nearer. but l
wouldn't tell every one, think: it would not
be quite right, because don't think she
would like 1t
IS! u"
Mrs Allen that lives at Jamieson's
house and teaches me music"
A sudden fash OF new comprehension
seemed 10 pass over Sir Rogers face; but
he only said:
-Well?"
she il very poor, said Geoffrcy, earn.
esuy, "and Jameson thinks she won't live
very long. And | wanted to make a nice
Christmas for her. so that she should know
that somebody loved her at Christmas time
because, you see, have everything | want,
and she has nothing at all
So you thought Of selling the silver
cup In order TO get money enough for
Christmas gifts for this little girl and her
mother"
-Yes, that was jus, it," Godfrey looked
up at Sir Roger with horeful, eager eyes.
His face made Sir Roger smile for
moment. Then his eyes grew grave and
tender, and he laid his hand tenderly upon
the boy . bright head. God bless you.
my boy he said, 'and make you bless
ing TO others that you love"
Geohrey did not understand the mean
ing OF this benediciion. but he liked the
gentleness Of Sir Rogers voice He re-
membered that Sir Roger had not vet said
that he would buy the cup, however. and
II was with great relief that he heard him
speak again.
Il will give you clO," he said. -and you
can leave your Christmas cup with me.
Will that be enough"
lieofrcv positively gasred with delight.
u shall be ale To get lovely things
he SAID, ever 50 many more than ! ey-
pected. Oh. thank YOU very much, Sir
Roger. how very kind you arel"
And, IA Sir Roger reflected. il did not
"em TO occur 70 the boy that his grand
fa'h'r might possibly object TO what he had
done.
1t was Christmas Eve. Dinner wa.
over, and Godfrey had said goodnight