The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1902-01-14
The Globes Daily Short Story

He turned quickly and caught her hands.
How can | ever thank YOU" he said
She colored slightly and answered him
with question about church decora ton
The minister walked home under the
clear winter skies and the crisp sod
seemed to bound beneath his feet He
was too excited to think of sleeping or
reading; he wanted to sit down before
his fire and go over it all again. How
kind and friendly she had been: what
a delicious cosy half hour. Three DAYS
Of choir practice and then the sermon
and the carols and Christmas day. Sure
ly the thought had been heaven-sent
Christmas day would find her happy
1t was Christmas eve. The little church
of DeerwoOd was as Christmas-like as
eager hands and loving hearts could
make 1t. Candles glowed among the
evergreens about the altar and CLEANED
against the white-berried mistletoe ana
the rich red holly. Soft gray moss wrap
PED the pillars and fell in festoons from
their capitals.
Up in a choir man and a woman
We're making final arrangements and
settling last points about the carols
Iney We're standing close together and
their bent heads almost touched The
minister saw them as he came out Of
the vestry.
1T will be all right" he told himself
mechanically. In the last busy days lie
had lost sight of the matter, but it came
back to him now with rush He felt
suddenly very tired.
SUING VI tie WdLCnIQl eyes noticed that
their young minister looked rather white
as he came under the strong light over
the altar and Whispered uneasily to their
nelghbors; but when he began to speak
they forgot the man in his message. How
eagerly he told the old sweet story; how
tenderlV he pleaded for the supremacy OF
that peace and good will. A message
heaven-Sent, and right nobly delivered
1t was over at last. The congregation
drew deep, quivering breath, the carols
rang out triumphantly joyous and warm
hands grasped the minister's with good
wishes and blessings. Then they went
away, touched and happy and the min
lister turned into the Yestry. The ex-
hilaration Of excitement slipped from
him like a garment and again he realized
that he was tired.
Blanch Mereton was standing before the
vestry fire. He had forgotten that she
was to meet him there and the sight OF
m so glad had to see you about the
music tomorrow" she said frankly. 1T
permits me to think you for she paused
and ADDED in low voice, II cannot tell
not really alive before
Thank yon,', he replied, gravely. Il
trust :!St,,I yop I. viii Q,,l be very happy"
been such selfish creature. I never
realized what good will meant. 1t is
the sunshine OF the soul"
Yes" he said. He came into the fire.
light and his face looked bleak and cold.
Il wished TO offer good wishes for your
happiness-and Hamlin's.''
''Hamlin," she repeated. Then her eyes
shot from under his ard she turned
to study the fire. 80 you did believe
that silly rumor?' she said in low
voice.
''Believe? Tell me, ISN'T
mo-
The minister moved and stood beside
her.
in an undertone, 'and the thought was
agony"
I'm sorry She said vaguely.
His hand closed eagerly on those slim
fingers.
"Blanch!'
The rest OF the choir was coming to the
Please. dear" he whispered. gust
one, for Christmas present.
she lifted her lips and gave 1T to him
right royalty. Such was the ministers
Christmas present. A kiss from I'm =, the e
the wnole wealth Of her wonderful wom-
an-love.