Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1907-12-13

CHHIsfMAs HEEE!'
a. be carried in some kindlings for the
stove in the living room and stopped
down to open the stove door and start
the fire.
Here she was lottin' on that Sunday
school Christmas tree for weeks and
weeks stiddy," said Grandfather Mich
OILS. apparently addressing the flicker
ing blaze that seemed loath to start up
briskly, "and then twas put Off to
New Years ON account OF the minister
bein' sick. aud now, after all the wait
In, she's got to lose 1t. Never been to
4 Christmas tree in her life, Sarah
Mary amt, and thinks haven't nuther,
Il WAS goin' along with her. Full
moon due tonight and mild weather
for 4 week back. The first snowstOrm
OF the season. this il, and Sarah Mary
amt fitted out for stormy weather.
Them three miles there and back three
more was goin' to be about all could
a fetched in good walkin', but !
wouldn't "a begrudged gettin' master
tired, not a mite"
Breakfast Is most ready" said
Sarah Mary, with faint smile. Pres
entity 1t WAS quite ready, and they sat
down at the table. 1t was very 81
lent meal, but ut last Sarah Mary
broke the silence.
Last year was the first one they
ever had, but didn't mind missin'
that. grandfather, because you was
sick, but now 1t just seems as IT,
Poor little Sarah Mary could not fin
ish, but rose abruptly and began to
clear away the dishes.
Il know, honey" said the old man,
patting her head as he. too, rose from
the table.
When the door from the kitchen into
the shed was closed Sarah Mary sank
into the splint bottomed rocking chair
and sobbed despairingly. Gradually
the sObs ceased. Then she stopped
rocking and sat up straight.
"Grandfather," cried the little girl
cheerily about half an hour later, you
must have split up moren enough kin
dlin's by this time Come In. want
TO talk to you. I've got regular splcn-
did plan"
The old man came In quickly, rub
bling his hands.
kind o cool In the shed this morn
In" he said, looking anxionsly at
Sarah Mary, whose eyes were red,
though she smiled bravely at him.
''NOw sit right down here in front OF
the stove and get warmed up she
said, wing the old rocking chair for
ward.
i've been thinkin'," she went on,
speaking quickly as she stood quite
slose to her grandfather, that this is
the last day Of the year. and tonight
will he New Years eve, only we'll be
b home stead Of down to the church.
Here her voice trembled little, but
only for a moment.
And l don't see why you and l,
k1ndrather. can't have pretend
christmas here thatll be most as good
~ If we'd gone to the Sunday school
we.
'Of course" said the little girl visit
fully, 1--WE could do it better If we had
aver seen a real Christmas enttain
snent. but reckon we can make out
grandfather, don't you"
II see Christmas ent'tamment once
tree and all said the old man. ""rwns
when your father was Il little chap
and he wns vls't.a' with Brother Hen
rvs folks down IN the city,
"Oh. grandfather"' exclaimed tn
child. drawing IL long breath. "Thel
you must be more disappointed ever
than ! am, because you know VIVA
you're mlssin'. But you can veil 10,
what It was like, SO we can preten,
Just complete"
"Weli." began the Old man, 'ther
was tree all covered with sparklin
things and c0lored ones and candles
aud then the folks presents was hun,
on the limbs too. The room was al
kind Of trimmed round with green
and there was words on the walls
Peace on Earth, Good VIII to Men.
and ssy'ral others.