Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1902-05-06

Il.
tall stepladderJ Now. Edith, what
goes where?
Mrs. McIlvaine-l want this rope
green drap.d from the chandelier out
to the walls on all sides; cert OF cano-
py effect. you know.
McIlvaine-That's dead easy. Hold
one end. Bert.
Barrington-No; let me 60 up the lad.
der, Tom. You're too heavy.
McIlvaine-Go on, my dainty Ariel!
Behold Barrington's first rise In the
world!
harrington (starting up)-Fain would
I climb but that fear to fall
Morris-If you've heart failure. do
not climb at all.
Barrington-My heart isn't affected.
Speak for yourself, John.
Morris docking at Kitty)-l only
wish dared.
Mrs. McIlvaine-Oh, Bert, while
you're up there please fasten this
mistletoe to the chandelier. Will you
hand it up to him, Mr.. Henderson?
Henderson taking 1t from herr
What beautiful spray!
Barrington-Berry fine!
Henderson-Don't notice him. He's
tried everything for 1t. (He hooks the
mistletoe to the end Of an umbrella
and waves it aloft.) With this scepter
| am monarch of all survey. My
right there is none to dispute. With
this magic wand in my hand l do not
envy the sultan of Turkey. (He holds
It over Mrs. McIlvaine's head aud
kisses her on the brow.) Lady. salute
thee. What have you to say. Tom?
McIlyaine-Don't do it again.
Henderson holding it over Kitty
And here | make assurance doubly
sure. Kisses herJ
Morris-Your assurance needs no
doubling.
Barrington-Quit your fooling. Hen.
Give me the daggers.
Henderson handing the mistletoe up
on the point Of the umbrella,-Take it
and put It where it will do the greatest
good to the greatest number.
Barrington-I'll fasten it right be-
meath the chandelier, 80. Now, Kitty.
stand from under.
Miss Bates-I! wouldn't stand un.
der the mistletoe for thousand
pounds n minute. There's no telling
what might happen.
harrington (approvingly) - That's
right. Kit. hate a girl who would
kiss and tell There: that's fastened.
Step up. Miss Bates. and take your
place. I'll warrant John will be your
first victim. (He whistles 81 gave her
kisses ten. kisses ten.")
Miss Bates-Mr. Morris! He's the
last man | ever expect to kiss me un-
der the mistletoe.
Morris (sententiously)-The only girl
| shall ever kiss under the sacred
bough will be my future bride.
Barrington-Hear the fellow talk!
Why. Jack. old boy. you're not such a
catch. Very few nice girls would mar
ry you.
Morris-very few would he enough.
McIlvaine-Ha. ha. John. you're real
funny today Come Off your perch.
Bert. We've got to do the dining room
next. Gle takes the ladder and goes
out to the dining room. harrington
follows with pile of greens.I
Mrs. Mcllvaine-l'll bring the holly
wreaths. Will you help me. Mr.. Hen
derson? Oh. thank you! (They go out.
leaving Miss Bates and Mr. Morris
alone.)
Miss Batec-Mr. Morris. | want to
thank you for that beautiful picture
you sent me. 1t Is one | lave wanted
for ever so long. and I'm so glad to
have it.
Morris talking her by the elbows and
gently pushing her backward until she
stands under the mistlctoe)-l wont
receive my thanks anywhere hut here.
and want them in deeds. not words.
Kitty. those people may be back any
minute. There isn't time now for n
formal proposal. but-won't You let me
be 1.-The last man that shall kiss you
under the mistletoe?"
Miss Bates-You might have been
the first. too. II you hadn't been so
stupid. Jack. didn't you see this mis-
tletoe in my hat?
Morris observing 1t for the first
time)-No. my darling. but that Is on
ly proof Of my affection for you. for
love is blind.