Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1904-12-22

Mrs. Lawrence Price, leaning back
in cushioned nook OF her morning
room. seemed a feshy reproduction OF
the Vatican figures carved. EN-.
broidered, painted upon Its brilliant
furnishings.
Hers was that enamel-like colouring
and wealth of contour that harmonl2es
with roses and corn flower blues In up
holstcry and draperies. and the mystic
yelling Of large windows where fragile
but fresh, crisp lace shuts out from
such fine ladies the too ardent Christ.
mas sunlight.
That Amy Price knew we'll that Il
was Christmas Day was evidenced by
a dazzling array of gifts, jewelry, brio
a.brac, silver. delicate bits Of needle
work; in short, veritable shopfpl OF
valuable articles, both for use and or.
nament. Attached to each present
was card or note bearing affection.
ate wishes for her happiness now and
forever
There was nothing of gratitude, not
even suggestion Of contentment in
the fair lady's countenance or attl.
tude. Her glance was resting upon a
note that lay upon her lap, and she
read 1t with curling lip and such an
air of languorous scorn as great Juno
might have assumed upon suddenly
seeing her rival 10 escaping from her
thralldom.
Amy was holding out her feet to be
sllpperod, to the doft handling of a
maid, pink OF maid, such as is sup.
posed to step out of n baadbox. In
box or out of n box her airwould nj.
ways be dicreot and non-commlttal
In reverie that called for an an.
noyed knitting of her delicate brown
Mrs Price stretched out laco.clad
'senaIuSIo 10 xoq JaAls u pJuMol mIp
then leaned far back, silent, impress
s,ye, selfcentored, face and form
Faulty faultloss, Jelly regular splen'
1idly null"
Apparently she was less moved by
the thrill of life around her from the
nor HhN y HIkH NlA' NHhii AhN Nh'h'
nymphs on tho chandeliers. They
stirred to the ringing Of the church
chimes, the Jingle of sleigh bells, the
crunching of light feet outside on the
snow piled street, whore VOICES We're
ringing out continually full of laugh.
ter and good cheer
Even the glass lustros hlinked back
al the light The mirrors made ruhies
OF the holly berries glistening In the
fire flames. from logs that cracked
and whirled up sparks an drew out
the rich pungent on doors of draping
Christmas greens, and yes, the faint
haunting odour Of little waNcn bunch
Of mstlotoe hanging over the hearth!
All. but who would care to kiss the
very daintiest of those chilly china
nymphs?
Presently Mrs. Price lifted from one
of the giftladen tables small paper
pad and began studying II perfume.
torily, holding 1t at arms length
away from the cigarette smoke that
hung like mist about her shining
hair.
Perhaps she was addressing the
maid though she did not look at her
as she unused aloud. drawing sort
of supercilious reproof to Fate. why
must Lucien trouble me continually
with these kitchen opistlos? ! give
him my ideas for luncheon or a din
ner. donating liberal faith In his
ability to carry them out, There my
contriUution should end. But work
ing people seem to find A iiendish en-
ioyment In reminding their employers
Of this and that disgusting detail o
marketing or cooking. Perhaps II II
done with a view of spo' ling their ap
petItes. Lucien shall learn that thu
value Of my digestion Is far beyont