The Wichita daily eagle., 1904-01-05
A CHRISTMAS EVENT

For the Eagle.
1t was Christmas day and the frozen
regions wore vesture OF the downiest
white and the sky held deep blue veil
beneath its infinitude of mystery 1T was
rather quiet on the farm, except the occa-
sional believing of a thirsty calf, or the
busy cackle of an industrious hen and the
general appearance of the surrounding
Landscape was that of unmolested
plain. 1t was, nevertheless, to my notion.
r. propitious time for nuptial ceremonies,
as well as the other usual formalities OF
giving and taking There is a time fer
all things.
IT was morning, bright and cheerful and
on one had come as yet to be present at
the affair, which is long to be remember
ed in the Smith community. 4 goodly
circle of near neighbors and intimate
friends were invited and a few had been
asked from distant parts of the country
Emma Smith was the only daughter of
Mr.. and Mrs. Philip Smith. and she had
attained the charming age of 20 before
she became engaged. Something very
eccentrical about her career was that
she never had kept company with any
one else, except the young man who was
to be made her life companion. pretty
commendable expression to utter about a
woman,
The Smith family were in considerable
hurry and hustle that morning. They
were up at o'clock and Mrs. Smith. a
hard-working old lady. was among the
first ones to stir about. Her reason for
81 co rlx ApsthtipSc IN finish
the cooking which was left undone the
day before. 1t was often remarked that
she could do more housework of this ma
ture in one day than the average young
woman could 10 in two days. and she was
) we'll UP in years ard growing feeble So
there was TO he a kngly feast that day.
Many incidents occurred that morning
which somewhat benunhed their swell
ing Dreams OF JOY and due.led their con-
vulsions of laughter. Mrs Smith quite
often called her husband To do little er-
rands for her and she had just asked
him 10 perform one the substance of
which was Ito so out and catch a turkey
and chop his head Of
Mr. Smith willingly. as was his custom.
obeyed the kindly order of his wife. He
caught the turkey after some little eX-
ertion ard few wild swear words. then
proceeded to butcher him
The turkeys neck was stretched over
log and Mr.. Smith raised the axe to
strike the final blow Of execution. But.
said he. If the bloody head hips 10 the
right. Emma will make it all right; if it
d9nt ] pity-I pity her.
The head. extremely contrary TO h's
hearts desire, fell 10 the LETT. This was
the incipiency OF a cloudy array of dun.
unhappy thoughts TO so creeping through
Mr. Smiths mind.
.-Ah. Emma, methinks" he would solil-
oQsitze. something's going TO happen to-
day We viii not soon forget
He delivered his order. He toddied back
into the parlor with humble smile en-
shroud!ng internal discontent
He lii his meerschaun, and picked up
the Journal, sat down IN his fayerite
easy-rocker near the large bay window
with the redolent blossoming geranilans
He would scratch and scan upon and
down the news columns but never word
Of Information would he read aloud TO
his daughter who would have heen glad
to hear some item of local interest. soon.
hewever. he heard the ligh; footsteps
Of his wife coming into the room. hut he
Oh not turn his head. Some wood. Phil:
won't you 20 and bring me an .srmful of
wood? t." commanded Mrs. Smith, with
ss~>d- drolling voice.