Omaha daily bee., 1905-12-24

crackers and the thing girls My sister made
the collection"
Bertha Wild pupils of mine and sure that
1 have heard them speak of you, Mr.. Armitage"
His face grew hot She knows all about it, he
thought, savasely.
al haven't seen my cousins for years." he assured
her and was obeyng command from the general
when this fortunate accident befel me"
AS the girls waiting in agony of suspense in
another Armtage FASTENED matters by introduce
ing himself as the deputy of Father Christmas,
upon excellent with them For full hour
they busy with the holly and the and
the merriment fast and furious. The final treat
late supper, including mnce pie, and then to bed
dream of the delights of a real Christmas.
In the seelusion Of his own room Gerald Arttage
took letter from his pocketbook and appeared to be
mach perturbed while reading it, He flung it upon the
table, snatched it up again, and read;
My Dear Gerald must insist that pay Alice
little attention: indeed / should like to see you
married at distant date. You have both, should
imagine, reached the age Of discretion 1 wish you %
spend Christmas with when this be final
y settled Alice is most anxious and is writing
Your ahectionate uncle George wild"
1 obeyed willingly enough" Armage reflected, up
TO certain point cannot marry Alice Wild since
have Miss Fame o! why did drift into this idiot
ic engagement? 1 had no belief in love until now
Next morning he rose early. He had had dreadful
dream. He drew the window curtain aside, and eagerly
looked out No there had not been rapid thaw, indeed
it stiIl snowing 1t was not yet o'clock but he
heard steahy steps in the passages and laughter and
joyful little shouts The girls were finding his Christ
gifts!
He remembered that he had an engagement ring in
pocket Alice wnd. He had fully prepared
matters settled out of hand, but now He
shivered and wondered If he a dishonorable
villain!
the first in the breakfast room, and was
rather dsfnayed pile of letters most Of which
addressed to Miss Lesley Fame. Letters meant a
postman a postmap a clear road. He
learned afterwards that Curtis had fetched the mail
from the postofHce, but have had not
heavy partly melted the during the night
merry party assembled at the breakfast table, and
appeared church To ArTnit-
age seemed absolutely perfect attired In plain
black dress jacket trimmed with cheap fur She
bunch berries at her throat and there was
a bit of the color in her hat At least that was
that he could make of II. Her dark eyes were
dancing with health, pleasure, and mischief she held
her hand him, saying:
You going Hurstees now I suppose, Mr..
Armitage? We may aga, and you have been
kind! "
lie took hand pressed warmly, and IL
o give him a electric shock.
AS the BTightdae is the only open Miss
Fame, should like accompany you to church must
send a telegram the general My motor won't be
disable for about-er-a week. l am going 10 spend my
Christmas here-unless you prefer otherwise"
1t is a matter of indifference to me, MI Armitage,
What nonsense you do talk! "
She turned away, and he followed.
Do you mind if walk with you? he asked present
ly.
Il can't help myself IL seemsi"
There is my automobile" Armitage next remarked
Il must have it removed a place of safety"
The sky clear and blue, hut the dazzling gave
warmth An ideal Christmas day, everybody said
and the bells telling the old story. Armit
seemed to be living in and beautiful world