The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-12-21

Jerking the baby away from the high
fender. And they're popping corn over
the fire in there: / heard it pop. And
Aunt Helena said that it was so good
sliEared, and that fat one-tlle one with
tee yellow moustache-said that he
should think all that she ate would
taste-''
How do you know what they sald?''
Il heard
How"
Il heard"
How did you hear?'
Through the kcyhole.'' Eobbert set his
jaw and twisted Il piece of the baby
dress neryousIy
And since when have You adopted that
method of obtaining information Robert
son?''
j don't care: ] only did a moment! I
don't care if 1t is sneaky-I might just as
we'll be sneaky if I'm not going to An
napolis: If l do anything at all. every
body says: oh, dear: I'm afraid you'll
| never be a lieutenant after ALL They
never do sol! And if l say I'm going to
be one, they say, I wouldn't count on it,
bobbert, I'LL m just sick and tired! AZ,
| l going to Annapolis? Am 1? don't care
about the old tree If 1 know that
My dear boy, how do know? It will
depend on-on-on circumstances he
concluded weakly
Bobbert stamped his foot His uncle
slipped out Of the room.
III the library the tree was towering
to completion. x gilt angel held ropes
OF popcorn that struggled artistically
downward; snowy. ribbon-bound packets
! danEled from the boughs; candles dotted
the ends. Aunts and uncies cllattcd and
Inn lad Ill,
Bcbbert's father and mother. bubbling
over with delight and business and
vague Christmas good feeling, ran about
holding the same parcels. Strengthening
the same red candle. pulling at the same
rope of cranberries.
Isn't it grand, Frank? This is really
! the best We've ever had. How are the
| children: Do they suspect anything"
| 'Nothing--nothiDg whatever" he as
surcd her. '']5obbert thinks the odor of
| helnlock and popcorn is to be attribut ed
| to the window boxes, and I have no
doubt that he supposes you're conducting
| a funeral down here. It's SO still and
| solemn"
"Oh. Frank. how absurd. Well. / sup
| pose he does begin to suspect
My dear sister. your penetration does
| you credit. Eobbert is only nine, and he
/; has only seen this performance nine
| times, so it would be odd If he should
| have any exact idea of what you are
| all doing. but he probably has a dim
| ..Sow. Frank, You are tiresoHe. O,
course he knows, but how can lie know
| the size OF It? He never saw one SC
| big. And We never had SO many candles
there are three boxes here And look al
this. What do you think Jncle Ritct
/ has sent hin,?"
One of the aunts waved at him a SCI
| of red. blue and yellow balls attached by
elastic cords to brightly colored stick
81 suppose the dear old man thinks
| Bobbert IS about two years old! Where
have you put that japanese juggler,s
| outfit, Kate? See. Frank, that heauti
/ ful French puzzle! It's awfully interest
| Ing. I hope he'll like 1t. More candy
| The idea. The child would die! Where:
Father Robertson's bird book. dear?
shant dare let him take 1t alone; IT:
! too exquisite See. Frank. there are IS
/ colored plates. Isn't It beautiful"
| Bobbert's uncle fell upon the book
by George he said. but that's
beauty. Rather wasted on Bobbert
Isn't II? Doesn't know an ostrich iron
a canary, does i,eo"
We'll that's what Father Robertson
wants him TO Learnt" they cried II
| chorus.
lie nodded doubtfully. pity he can
come in and help he suggested. 4he't
| enjoy this rumpus.
/ They stared at him In CONSERVATION.
: Why. Francis Robertson. what are yol