The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1906-12-23

1 Are YOU patty, RiriF ASKED tnc ue-
tective at length.
Il think said Doroth~,, looking at
him, that the proprietor viii see me
Her words. her manner, had an In
stant effece upon the man accustomed
to watch people narrowly. His hand
fell from the childs arm, The en-
ragged woman. herself somewhat dis.
concerted by the sudden and amazing
demand, held silence,
80
Jack" said Miss norothea Kings
lake. with great solemnity. 81 haven't
got much OF Christmas present for
you this year"
They stood together In tho wide u.
brary, frightened with the big, red
ribboned wreaths and garlandA A
great cluster OF violets on the table
gave their perfume, Altar OF In the
large house clock chlmed, outside
perfect winters morning OF Christ
perfect winters mornlng--ofchriss.
mas morning. when all IL freshcr and
newer and more hopeful and happier
than ON any other morning OF the year,
or seems 10 be. Az II echoing the
chime OF the clock some distant
church bells earilloned softly and mer-
riiiy. Peace on earth" Good will
toward men" The message could be
read everywhere. The feeling was In
the sunshinein the clear air, In the
gentle soothing calm
"That Is the reason that | didn't
send 1t to you last night. Christmas
Eve" she continued thoughtfully. Il
wanted TO explain"
She held out 10 him sheaf OF three
curved sprays OF llllles of the valley.
Bound with n sprig Of maidenhair
fern. they formed boutonniere.
"They were all could get for the
money"
AS she observed his. sudden look
of surprise, she laughed and answered
quickly:
"oh, let mo tell you, I've got so
much to say. l wanted 10 give you
something entirely different from ever
beSore--from anybody else. Some
thing which would be a surprise;
Something which would have more
character. could not think Of thing
At last / had an inspiration. would
earn the money myself for present
you made the money for this?' he
exclaimed.
"Yes." she answered. IT'S all that
could make Isn't It absurd? Isn't
1t pltiful and humiliating? SIT down."
He sank beside her on the long.
leather covered divan. Bending for
ward she began her narration. At
irst a smile curved his lips. But a
more serious one succeeded II.
when I asked to speak to the head
OF the business" she narrated, you
should have seen the commotion.If !
had been demanding an audience with
the Grand Mogul tho disturbance
could not have been more. They
thought was mad. However, l Just
whispered my name TO the detective.
He stared at me for moment. Then
something seemed TO make him believe
me. He was a very inteliingent man.
All right, miss he said I'll see about
It. The proprietor did receive me at
once, and a more nervous, embarrassed
little person you never beheid. And
apologize? He couldn't understand
how got there or how ! came, He
appeared to regard II az case Of en-
tertalning angels unawares. Anyway
he listened to all that had to say"
You may be pleased to know that
Miss McCioskey is now the head Of
the toy department, and that Mr. VIII
bur, the floor walker has been pro-
NOTED to take charge of the Exchange
Desk. / never had such fun.
Going back to the manager TO get my
pay was an experience I would not
have missed for the world. He was
not willing TO give me anything at first,
However. mysterious tip from head
quarters made him hurry 10 put In my
hand what he said was coming to me.
At three dollars a week for the time
! had been working ! should receive
exactly thirty cents, plus five per cent.
commission on my sales TO Mr.. George
Dewey Bowker. However, there was
a ten cent fine for my being absent
without permission, 80 / was only en-
titled to twenty-four cents. With the
influence emanating from the Office, he
wanted to remit the fine. ] was very |
naughty about 1t. would only con-
sent to take what was my due.
There stood with twenty-four cents
with which to buy a present for you. |
(. The lilies Of the valley were
the only thing l could get for the sum. |
I hope you like my splendid gift"
Like it, he said. Il Ike * better
than any that ever had in all my
life. prize II more. am prouder
Of H."
"Of course" she continued, from
a strictly business point Of view ] do
not suppose that I even earned the
twenty-four cents. I certainly did not
come out ahead. I've made Up my I
books and balanced them this way" |
She held out piece OF paper to him.