The San Francisco call., 1908-12-05

Christmas day came with a down
pour OF rain. such as California knows
best how TO bestow upon a waiting
earth. The Carsdale cornerites. how
ever, recked it not, for inside the
schoolhouse huge tree lay. mid mis-
tletoe and holly. waiting 10 be erected
upon a new foundation.
Nor had II long to walt Early in the
afternoon il stood firmly upright, its
generous branches brave with pop
corn. tinsel and gay colors.
The Barstow twins were as usual
chief directors. working together with
that marvellous unity OF purpose, seem
ing but one mind between them. VIII
Hinsdale. although he lived in the
farthest limit Of the district, came in
early. shaking the dripping coat as a
big dog shakes after a plunge. The
girls were doubtful Of his utility al
first. but he surprised them by his
efficiency and good taste, and before
night was voted Indispensable
BY 4 o'clock all was finished but a
general clearing up. which was 10 be
left for the boys
Lucille surveyed the result of their
labor with satisfied sigh.
IT'S the Ioveiiest ever" she declared
We'll. must 90 now We had Clarice
and all her family TO dinner. YOU
know. and papa and mamma are going
70 drive home with them so they can
help them with the children tonight.
They'll be starting soon. for Tom has
his stock 10 feed"
You won't be needed. objected
Lonny.
I shall affirmed Lucille positively.
slipping her arm through that OF a
tall fair girl al her side. and Edith
Nelson IS coming with me and stay 10
supper Lonny, when you come bring
VIII Hinsdale with you. There is no
sense in his going home IN this rain.
We four can have a jolly little supper
together"
VIII. wondering inwardly how he
ever could have thought girls nui-
sance. agreed readily 10 this plan
Two hours later the boys, stumbling
up the front steps with a noisy clatter
Of umbrellas. we're met by Lucille with
finger on her lips
Sh. sh." she whispered. don't be
noisy till you get into the dining
room, where she won't hear you. You
know how cross she is II she IS sud
denly awakened
.-Eh. what2" questioned Lonny.
Lucille made a repressive gesture and
with utmost caution opened the door
leading into the dimly lighted parIor
and pointed 10 a small. white clad
figure recumbent upon the couch.
Lonny instantly recognized his sister
Clarice's little daughter Merle.
What did they leave her here for2'
he demanded. when in the dining room
where free speech was once more per-
mitted
You know they never wake her If
they can help H." explained Lucille.
II she took a notion TO be cross to-
night some one might have 10 stay at
home with her. so as they had baby
and Teddy and Pickle. I thought we
could manage Merle among us
But suppose we have 10 wake her
up oueried Lonny, uneasy at the
prospect.
oh we won't. returned Lucille
promptly Bring the tea, Edith. and
don't look 50 solemn. child. I think. =
she continued TO Lonny. i can just
roll her UP IN shawl without waking
her and you can carry her. ana VIII
can hold an umbrella over you
Lonny regarded his twins placid face
In dismayed protest. Small Merle. with
her bobbing yellow curls and lisping
"Yunny Yonny." which translated
"Uncie Lonny" 70 his understanding.
was a rather jolly little beggar at
home, but there was an uncertain ele-
ment in her that made the present
program very undesirable.
Now sis. he protesu,d. ~Will and
] are not going 10 tote q yelling kid
into that schoolhouse tonight
I honestly don't think she viii wake