Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-12-22

blocks, land this house is 2020"
AS they hurried up the broad flight OF
steps leading to 2020 It was all that Bobs
could do to keep the dog from Struggling
out of his arms, and when they reached the
front door the little creature burst into a
shout of rapturous barks.
THE s. is yours, Bobs." gleefuliy ex-
claimed the youngster. Then he regretfully
upon the cunning dog. I'm most sorry you
turned out to be the little SWELL" he whis-
pered; ''it would suit me to have You for
keeps!' But as he rang the bell Bobs' sober
expression changed, his face famed Grim
son with excitement and his eyes flashed
''Mathilda Ann!' he cried, and he gave a
long whistle.
Late that evening a child. propped among
the little pillows of her little bed, lay
awake in a forlorn attic. The room was
very bare. and so tiny that 1t seemed a
mere closet with two wee windows. But
that night, to the bright eyes staring out
from the pillows it was most beautiful, for
there was fire in the stove. and from its
open door enchanting crimson and golden
lights were cast upon the opposite white
wall. while on the table beside the bed an
exquisite star formed the twinkling crown
of a festive red candle. 1t was Christmas
eve and Mathida Ann was celebrating.
If Bobs would only comet" thin little
hand stole under a pillow and came out
again with something proudly clutched in
the fingers There was tiny rustic of
paper and then, for the tenth time in an
1t was a boys necktie-a scarlet ground
with purple horseshoes scattered over it.
For five months she had been saving up
her pennies to buy 1t. little sigh es-
away she had intended to get doll like
Peggy McGroorty's Peggy had loaned
Clarssa to her four or five times, and with
the dolly to fondle and talk to the lonely
hours had taken happy wings. But the doll
was very expensive. 1t cost Is cents-the
same price as the necktie. She stroked
purple horseshoe and smiled The hand
some necktie would be so becoming to dear
Bobs! Careful fingers wrapped it up again
and slipped it back in its hiding place
There was welcome noise on the stairs,
the unmistakable clatter of a youngsters
boots coming nearer and nearer
"Bobs is it your" cried out Matilda Ann
in delight
silence followed. then an important
rustling of paper and low chuckle. Mop.
faint Bobs." gayly called a voice through
the keyhole. Its Santa Claus"'
The door opened with, flourish and on
the threshold stood ragged urchin,
huge doll in his outstretched hands. She
was glorious creature. Her luxurfant
faxen hair fell in ringlets upon her Shout
ders her eyes were deep. deep blue. Her
complexion was cream white and glowing
rose. and her red lips parted in the love-
lest of smiles. Here dress was sky-blue
silk, and all its fluffy ruffles were trimmed
with lace. She had on light-blue stockings
and shoes-shoes with three tiny white but
tons and the cunningest white silk tassels
at the top-and she wore a pearl necklace
around her pretty throat, while pearl
bracelet dangled over one plump little
hand.
Matilda Ann did not speak. She leaned
forward from her pillows, her face flushed,
her eyes shining, her breath coming and
going in little gasps.
Merry Christmas cried Bobs, and he
strobe to the bed and laid the doll in Ma
thilda AIMS trembling arms.