Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-12-19

DuI 0eT papa anu uidiiiiob tdhru
her Paulie for short. And Paulie
was sometimes a very naughty
little maid, doing things she
should not have done. For instance.
when her cousin Oracle came to spend
the day with her she usually brought
about a scene by. denying Oracle the
privilege of playing with her best doll
And this was very wrong, indeed. lot
Oracle would have handled the best doll
with the greatest care, even more care
fully than did Paulie herself. And Paui1e
would also laugh at Gracfe's toys, which
were not so nice as her own, for. whereas
Oracle had several brothers and sisters TO
share the playthings at her own home,
Paulie was the little queen of her parents
house. being the only child. And her
TOYS were numerous and costly.
81 wonder what shall have from Santa
Claus this Christmas, mamma Paulie
asked of her mother one morning just be-
fore Christmas. Il do hope he'll bring
me Just what ask for; and If he doesn't
well, I'll just throw the toys away and
play with my old ones.
.'Oh. that's a naughty threat. dear ex-
planned Paulie's mother. You must take
whatever gifts the good Santa Claus sees
fit to bring you, and be grateful for
them
Then the doorbel rang. and Paulies
mamma had to go to the parlor to re-
ceiyc caller. Paulie went into the
library, where it was nice and warm, and.
sitting inca big cushioned chair in front
of the open CRATE, she began to sollo-
auize But why should I be grateful
70 bn brings 7 n
not WANT And why shouldn't I throw
them away if they don't please me? l
don't understand why / should take amy
presents he sends, and feel thankful for
them too. if they aren't just what asked
for. And l believe I'll drop Santa a letter,
to make sure he'll know just what ] want.
I'll Write it all ont plainly-which is bet
ter than telling him at night after the
light is out and 1 in bed. Yes. I'll just
write him letter. and tell him to be sure
mo need to trouble about that. little
girl" said voice at Paulie's elbow. And
Paulie looked up to see beside her a very
odd-looking little old man, wrinkled and
funny His eyes were blinking, and he
was smiling merrily Seeing the look of
surprise on Paulies face, he said: II am
from the realm of Santa Claus. and have
come to ask if you would like to go there
on flying visit. We can make the trip
and return before your dinner hour.
Yes, sir. we dine at o'c'ock," an
swered Paulie. and I should just love
to pay Santa Claus a visit. for l was just
getting ready to write him d letter when
you came into the room. But where did
YOU enter? The door did not open into
this ROOM
''Ah, my entrance doesn't matter at all
little maid laughed the funny little old
man. And now If you'll come with me
We'll make a flying trip to the rea m Of
Santa CLANS He is pxnQcfin0 -
"Oh. is he?'' And Paulie sprang off the
big chair and said she'd run get her
wraps and be ready to start in minute.
mo need of wraps. my little maid"
said the funny little old man. My sleigh
is lined inside and out with warm bear
skins. and fur robes are there to wrap
about you. So come along without de-
lay else you'll be home late for din
ner.''
Then a very strange thing happened.
The funny little old man touched the win