The Bourbon news., 1904-12-23


self.
Il suppose 1t Is foolish to send a wom-
an in her circumstances such a nice
one, she said, in shame-faced way to
Florence. "but women like-well, they
like pretty gifts on Christmas"
Florence bent her sunny head and
kissed Miss Betty. 'It is dear instead
of foolish. Why, Miss Betty, that is the
Christmas spirit, giving the best"
The day before Christmas was clear
and cold. There was no snow, but the
earth lay brown and bare in the grasp
OF the frost king. Just as the shades OF
evening were beginning to 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 to Florence, who
stood in the doorway, her sunny head
outlined against mass of dusky ever
greens. Florence nodded a smiling as
sent. and Miss Betty hurried on. She
stopped for the mail and found card
from the express Office. Calling there
she received the package from the for
ist
Il am so glad I ordered the carna-
tions," Miss Dane said to herself.
Florence will be delighted with them.
In the morning she shall take a few
over to Miss Bliss, who is sick. know
Florence will be pleased with the cup
and saucer. 1t seems almost Providen-
tial that 1 bought it. for she does love
pretty china. And Pm glad l have
that other handkerchief for our minis
ter's wife. Mrs. Perry is real lady,
and she don't have any too many of the
pretty things women like"
Miss Betty was home by that time. In
a 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, a gurgling laugh broke
from her lips.
What Ounce you were, Betty Dane
to go and buy yourself Christmas pres
ents! Why, have given them all away
but the book, and l wish there were
some one to whom l could give that I
have learned that the blessedness of
Christmas in is giving, not in getting" :"
She soon had the coffee and the water
for the oysters on the stove. AS she
brought a dish of salad from the pantry
she heard the door bell ring.
Miss Dane went forward and opened
the door A mans s voice asked:
"Is Miss Florence Nesbit in?"
Miss Nesbit will be here in a few
minutes. Will you walk in and wait
for her?"
Indeed I will, ma'am. / am the
child's uncle, and have just come home
from long stay abroad to find that my
poor sister lost all her money before her
death. The idea of Florence teaching
school when I've more money than
Eh, Why, you are Betty Dane!"
Miss Betty looked up into the bronzed
bearded face.
Eyes. Jack; am Betty Dane!"
The man came step nearer. Betty.
was a hot-headed fool in the old
days. You were right to throw me over
and not to answer my letter, but it hurt
1t hurts yet, Betty, for I have never
ldveo any other woman"
The little spinster had grown very
pale. Should she speak? 1t cost her a
great effort to put aside her fatal shy
ness, but she did it.
81 never knew there was letter,
Jack; 1t did not reach me. have been
true to your memory all these years."
Florence came five minutes later. She
found Miss Betty in the arms of her
uncle, Jack Patterson. 1t took SONS
time to explain matters. The delight
of the girl almost equaled that Of the
elderly lovers.
1t was while they were at supper that
Miss Betty looked up to say:
"Oh! am so glad bought that book.
You don't understand, Jack, but I've a
Christmas present ready for you"
Mr.. Patterson's eyes twinkled.
THAT is fine. am sorry, Betty. that
1 have nothing to offer you, nothing but
love"
Glad tears dimmed Miss Betty's
sight. Her hearts hunger was salts
fed. The perfect human gift-the i'm
age of the Gift that brought Christmas
to the world-was hers.-Washingto
Home Magazine.