The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1907-12-20

@fng," and no one doubted that she
would grow up to be beautiful wo-
man. Silky, golden ringlets covered
her head, and large eyes which seem.
ed sometimes gray and wistful, but
oftenest just the tint of the violets,
lighted up round, chubby little face.
The scarlet, lips We're usually parted
IN friendly smile, disclosing row
OF snow-white, baby teeth, and the
nose confessed to the slightest tilt.
Mary Elizabeth, she had been christ
ened, but when only a few months
old she had been pronounced by her
proud nurse simply angelic-just the
image of wee little cherub,S and
since then all thought Of the real
name seemed to have been forgotten;
thenceforth this fat, rosy little piece
OF humanity was known as "Cherub,'
and only as "Cherub"
Everyone loved her, for she had
an amiable disposition, and when she
laughed and each cheek dimpled pref.
lily, she was Irresistible. But woe to
the person who incurred her displeas-
ufe. A frown from her meant trou-
BE, and during the five years of her
life her parents had grown to know
that when that little face puckered
stSfm was brewing, and that it would
be well to take Miss Cherub in hand
at once.
This young lady was bubbling over
with mischief, and generally when
they found her sitting alone with that
fafaway, sanity expression, they
knew that way down beneath those
curls plan of action was being
formed which would surely get some
one into troub1e-undoubte Bob
by. Her chief delight was found in
making this small brother her accom-
piice, leading him on to carry out her
campaigns and having him receive
the punishment. When she was con-
fronted with the charge, "Cherub,
you started that" she would raise
those wide, innocent eyes, look
straight at her accuser and say with
tbs slightest droop to the corners of
her mouth: Bobby did it." At pres
ent, however, she was being lawful
good" for tomorrow would be Christ
mas and she had placed many letters
up the chimney of the fine, big Fifth
avenue residence, asking Santa
Clause for all sorts of nice presents,
which she was sure not to get un-
less she was an obedient little girl.
Christmas morning, before any one
! In the house but the servants was
awake. the two children were excited
II whispering together about what
jolly old Saint Nicholas had left for
each, for sleep was far distant, and
nurses scolding and attempt at per-
suasion was of no avail.
Near breakfast time Aunt Gladys
Dupont, their mothers pretty young
sister, just two years out of board
ing school, who had lately arrived to
spend the holidays with the family,
came to the nursery and with hearty
Merry Christmas" kissed each of
the children, and told them that they
could get dressed and come to the
dining room.
Immediately on finishing breakfast
Mr. Baldwin would unlock the library
door, where each year the tree and
stockings awaited them; of course,
the children would eat nothing. At
last every one was ready and station
ed Just outside that enchanted room
Impatiently jumping up and down,
hardly daring to breathe, the little
one urged father to hurry. When
they burst into the brightly lighted
room it was good to see their faces.
Their shouts and screams of delight
and loud "Ohs!" and "Ahsi" could
be heard all over the house, as each
discovered his many gifts under the
brightly decorated tree.
When. an hour after, Cherub and
Bobby were dragged off to church."
as they were pleased to express it,
they left their hearts as well as dolls
and woolly dogs in the library at
home. Naturally they squirmed and
twisted through the whole service,
and occasionally whispered to each
other in eager. tones.
That afternoon they were allowed
to invite four of their little friends to
a small party. They were all playing
under the tree with the Christmas
things, and as Mr.. and Mrs. Baldwin
had gone to walk Gladys proposed
having game of 81 spy" with the
youngsters. AS she announced this
Oherub, who was always the leader,
yelled, ''Hurrah for Aunt Gladys. Now
she can be it," and then whispered,
Just as audibly, mo. Bob. choose
to get under the sofa; stop pushing
meas they were hiding.
Coming. ready or mott" called
Gladys, as she started off on a hunt
that proved fruitless. AS she ran
into the hall to continue the search
she came face to face with the man
to whom she had but recently been
engaged It was the first time she
had seen him since the night, three