The Brandon news. (Brandon, Miss.) 1892-1961, 1904-12-22
kerchiefs she bad purchased for her

kerOhiefs she bad purchased for her.
self.
Il suppose It Is foolish to send wom-
an In her circumstances such q 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. 1T is dear instead
OF foolish. Why. Miss Betty, that is the
Christmas spirit, giving the best"
The day before Christmas was clear
and cold 7atre 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
green's. Florence nodded smiling as
sent, and Miss Betty hurried OIL. She
stopped for the mail and found a card
from the express Office. Calling there
she received the package from the for.
| list.
II am SO glad 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 cur
and saucer. 1t seems almost Providen.
tial that 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 a real lady
and she don't have any too many Of tbs
| pretty things women like"
Miss Betty was home by that time. In
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 I wish there were
some one to whom could give that.
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 dish of salad from the pantry
she heard the door bell ring.
Miss Dane went forward and opened
the door. A mans voice asked:
SIS Miss Florence Nesbit in?"
Miss Nesbit will be here in a few
minutes. Will you walk in and wait
/ for herr"
Indeed I will, ma'am. I 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
Eth! Why, you are Betty Daniel"
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
It hurts yet, Betty, for have never
| ldveo any other woman"
The little spinster had grown very
pale. Should she speak? 1t cost her q
great effort to put aside her fatal shy.
ness, but she did it.
81 never knew there was a letter
Jack; 1t did not reach me. have beer
true to your memory all these years."
| Florence came five minutes later. She
found Miss Betty in the arms Of he,
uncle, Jack Patterson. 1t took som.
time to explain matters. The deligh,
of the girl almost equaled that of tn,
elderly lovers.
1t was while they were at supper thai
Miss Betty looked up to say:
ooh! am so gl2d bought that bookl
You don't understand, Jack, but I've q
| Christmas present ready for you"
Mr.. Patterson's eyes twinkled.
THAT is fine. am sorry, Betty. tina,
have nothing to offer you, nothing but
love"
Glad tears dimmed Miss Betty
sight. Her hearts hunger was salts.
fed. The perfect human gift-the i'm.
age Of the Gift that brought christina
to the world-was hers.-Washingtou
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