Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1905-12-21

ng1ted christmas Tree one IOse lAe
one hypnotized and made her way
steadily toward the light, as though
drawn by a magnet.
The woods we're more open now,
and fear aud cold were forgotten, as
the child was conscious of nothing
else in the world but the tree, which
she expected to see any moment be-
low the guiding light. After walk
ing much further than she knew, she
stopped-for she was within reach Of
real, trimmed Christmas tree |
Not the great, glimmering one of her
imagination, but small tree, bios
soming with all the strange fruit of
the season,-popcorn, red, white and
pink striped candy canes and bas-
kets, shining balls and angels, and
little red candles twinkling from the
tips of the branches.
Not until there was a sudden open
ing of an inner door and merry
burst of childish laughter did Betty
realize that her face was pressed
against window, her fasinated eyes
gazing into room glori6ed by the
tree of Christ, whose far reaching
light had led her from the dark woods
to this cheerful little refuge.
By and by the father opened the
front door and came out to shut the
blinds. As he reached up be STUN
bled over a little figure huddled in
the snow.
BLESS me, what's hereP" he ex-
claimed, bending over the half fro
zen child.
"It's me" murmured Bette, drow-
silly.
Where have you come from ?
What are you doing out this time of
night ?"
~ was trying to find the forest of
trimmed Christmas trees" whispered
Bette.
The husband and wife exchanged
an alarmed glance, for they thought
the poor child was wandering, but
the woman caught the mothelless
child from the sofa, holding her close
in her arms.
You've found the Christmas tree,
my lamb. Now tell me all about it
while you get warm and fed.
1t was not very ineligible tale,
but the mother nodded and smiled,
looking at the childs neat clothing
and her honest eyes. She seemed to
be able to fill all omissions in the
story.
If only Jack could see that tree"
Bette murmured, as she fell asleep.
1t was Christmas night, and the
little kitchen back of the shop was
fnll of happiness. Tom, chastened
and thankful, hovered around Bette,
while Jacks eyes never left the little
girl. The father was content to hear
her voice and to forget all the ankle
iY of the preceding night. The good
man into whose hands Bette had
fallen had not returned alone from
his errand to her troubled family, for
the frantic father had accompanied
him, and sat by Bette, sleeping Sc
renely in the strange bed.
A rap at the outer door summoned
the father, who left the kitchen, care
fully closing the door. The children
were in high spirits, and it did not
seem long before their father return
ed. He lifted Jack in his arms and
soberly turned to Tom and Bette:
81 need this room for business.
You children must go into the shop"
He threw open the door as the lit
tie group reached the threshold.
There was a profound silence, then
Jimmy T. yelled Tom.
"Is it real ?" whispered Bette,
while Jack asked if God had sent it.
No wonderl The cluttered little
shop was trans6gured, for in its Gen.
ter stood beautiful tree, the brsnsh-
es reaching almost to the walls. The
good fairy who had smuggled it into
the room had been quicker than
lightning. for the tree was well laden.
"Oh, Jack | Jack Isn't it lovely 2
It's as fine as the tree last night !
cried Bette. She cooked her small
head and narrowed her eyes 81 do
believe" she said slowly, Il do be-
lievs it's the very same tree !"