The Forrest City times., 1904-12-23
kerchiefs she had purchased for her

kerchiefs she had purchased for her self
 T suppose Il Is foolish to send a wom- an in her circumstances such q utce one, she said. in a shame-faced way to i Florence, but women like-well. they like pretty gifts on Christmas"
 Florence bent her sunny head and kissed Miss Betty. Tt is dear instead of foolish. Why. Miss Betty that Is the Christmas spirit. giving the hes.'
 The day before Christmas was clear and cold. There was 10 snow. but the earth lay brown and bare in the grasp Of the frost king. Just as the shades oi evening were beginning 10 fall Miss Betty emerged from the church where she had been all the afternoon.
 Come home to supper in an hour. dear. she called back 10 Florence. vhc stood in the doorway. her sunny head outlined against a mass of dusky ever greens. Florence nodded a smiling as- sent. and Miss Betty hurried on. She stopped for the mail and found a card frcm the express office Calling there she received the package from the flor ist
 T am so glad I ordered the carna- tions." Miss Dane said 10 herself Florence will be delighted with them. In the morning she shall take few over 10 Miss Bliss who is sick know Florence will be pleased with the cup and saucer T. seems almost Providen- tial that I bought it. for she does love pretty china. And I'm glad I have that other handkerchief for our minis ter's wife. Mrs. Perry is real lady, and she don't have any too many of tn, i pretty things women like"
 Miss Betty was home by that time. h trice she had the stoves open and the kettle on. As she took the scarlet car nations from the box and inhaled their spicy fragrance. gurgling laugh broke from her lips.
 What dunce you were. Betty Dane to go and buy yourself Christmas pres- ents, Why. have given them all away but the book. and wish there were some one to whom I could give that have learned that the blessedness of .4A 4saeA4tts AiA Io = " H. A4Ol III SElNiA
 She soon had the coffee and the water for the oysters on he stove As she brought dish of salad from the pantry she heard the door bell ring.
 Miss Dane went forward and opened the door. A man s voice asked:
 "Is Miss Florence Nesbit in?"
 Miss Nesbit will be here in a few minutes Will you walk in and wait for her9"
 Indeed I will ma'am. am the child's uncle. and have just come home l from long stay abroad to find that my poor sister lost all her money before her l death. The idea of Florence teaching l school when I've more money than Eh, Why. you are Betty Dane,"
 Miss Betty looked up into the bronzed bearded face.
 Yes, Jack; I am Betty Danei"
 The man came a step nearer Betty was hot-headed fool in the old days. You were right to throw me over and not to answer my letter. but it hurt It hurts yet Betty, for I have never ldveo any other woman"
 The little spinster had grown very pale. Should she speak? II cost her great effort to put aside her fatal shy. ness, but she did 1t.
 "I never knew there was letter Jack; il did not reach me. have beer true to your memory all these years
 Florence came five minutes later Sh. found Miss Betty in the arms of hel uncle, Jack Patterson It took somt time to explain matters The deHghi of the girl almost equaled that of th, elderly lovers.
 It was while they were at supper thai Miss Betty looked up 10 say:
 Oh l am so glad bought that book! You don't understand. Jack. but I've Christmas present ready for you"
 MT. Patterson eyes twinkled
 That is fine am sorry. Betty tt,e I have nothing 10 offer you. nothing buf love
 Glad tears dimmed Miss Betty,t sight Her hearts hunger was sati. fed. The perfect human eift-the i'm. age Of the Gift that brought Christmai to the worid-was Washinqto, Home Magazine