The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-12-11

| The streets were gay with Christina s cheer. Carrolrs family was in a hot bed of mysteries, people on the streets smiled and were in high good humor and around at the church every after noon children sang carols of good-tid- l ings to men. Yes, 1t was the blessed 1 Christmas time again.
 Letitia, showing great strength of mind and character (for Carroll was now and was still a boy), deliberate- ly stopped her ears whenever he sought to force on her narrow and prejudiced intellect the great truths concerning Santa Claus. She would not believe! The days dragged slowly by and at last 1t was Christmas Eve.
 Letitia's father in his study in the garden was very restless. He came into the house and was looking over the book shelves there trying to find novel which would make him forget himself and all the world, as he used | to forget when he was a boy. How old he felt tonight-and he was only 32! | Suddenly he heard a question and for got books and self and world. Letitia's mother upstairs in her sit- | ting room, was restless. too, very rest | less. She was more tired than usual and her head throbbed. She decided to put on her hat and walk-walk fast and far-as she used to when she was girl. How old she felt tonight-and she was only 2S! She was passing through the hall when she, too, heard the question and paused It was the little boy across the street with whom Letitia was fond of play ing, who asked the question. They had evidently just come in and were sitting on the rug in front of the sitting--room fire. Since she had left the kinder garten Letitia had enjoyed in Q meas ure the freedom of the house.
 This was the question:
 Does your papa and mama love you lots. Letitia?"
 Her father in the next room and her mother in the hall knew that Letitia's face turned red.
 Yes" she answered stoutly, "lots!"
 My mama, she comes every night and kisses us and tucks us in good and tight and loves us-every one of us! bet you papa and mama don't come to your bedroom every night"
 They do." averred Letitia menda- ciously. Yes, they do!''
 "Shuh! Your mama goes to parties and things all the time. cause my mama said so. Amt you sleep when she comes back?"
 Yes" admitted Letitia- Then she lied bravely. She kisses me when I'm asleep! And papa does, too! My mama Is the prettiest mama in the whole world and my papa Is as good as he can be-" Letitia was on her feet. Do you hear me, Carroll Levering?"
 The father and the mother. the man and the woman, realized for the first time the loneliness of the life of the child. They realized that in holding aloof from each other, they had iso- lated her.
 Presently the childish voices broke in or their thoughts again. They were playing church. those two, and 1t was Christmas service. Carroll with an open book. upside down, was priest and Letitia. seated on the rug, was people and the sitting room, lit only by the red fire was as still as a cathedral.
 "Who was born on Christmas Day Many. many years ago?" read Carroll Jesus Christ was born that day many, many years ago." responded Le- titia.
 Mary was the mothers name, Many, many years ago."
 Jesus was the baby's name, Many, many years ago..
 Letitia bent her little head rever- ently at the sacred name. It was no | longer play, 1t was worship. And we love that baby now,