Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1908-12-18
A BIT OF CHRISTMAS.

STOPPING to turn screws of the heating
apparatus, in persistent attempts to keep
the pointing finger at 20 degrees.
Despite the discomfort of close air,
which was none too warm at best, the
passengers in the main wore joyous faces
and didn't seem to consider the numerous
packages and bundles an annoyance.
From a wayside station, which looked
as if it had never been neighbor to any
house where human being lived, a poor
little girl entered and dropped into a
scat, where an oyercoat told that its
owner was probably in the smoking car.
The child did not notice this, and in her
ignorance of travel it would have made
no difference if she had. She might
have been 8 to 10 years old, but that air
OF self-reliance was hers, which poverty's
child often acquires very young; yet
there was nothing forward or bold" in
her appearance. Her dress was of the
scantiest; thin cotton gown, barely con-
| cealing the lack of suitable underwear, a
little worn shoulder shawl and a bat
tered straw hat.
When the conductor appeared the hand
red with cold; but the small person lifted
conidingly informed him that she was
going to grandmas for Christmas, and
that the package she clutched in her
other hand contained cookies for grand
ma
The conductor smiled down at her; a
| plying smile it was, as he thought of his
own well fed, we'll clothed children, with
whom he expected to eat late Christ
mas dinner when his run was over. The
smile fingered on his face as he passed
to the next seat and saw that its occu-
pants had heard the child's words.
Two women sat in the seat; strangers
to each other, and as unlike as two per
sons made ON the same general princi-
| Piles could be. One was tall, digniied,
young, wrapped in costly furs, everything
aDoat her showing the person who had
never lacked money or leisure. The 9TH
er, stout, Jolly, elderly, comfortable
kindly and well-to-do woman. The two
lad Travelled miles and miles, side by
side with not a word passed between
| them.
Now, both sat with eyes fixed on the
| forlorn bit of humanity in front of them.
| Suddenly the younger woman opened her
travelling bag and took from it a soft,
gray scarf shawl. 1t was at least two
wards long and half as wide. Folding it
together she touched the little waif, say
ing in low tone: "Stand up, my dear"
The child obeyed, wonderingly, and this
woman in the costly furs placed the fold
ed shawl around the small shoulders,
crossed it in front and bringing the ends
to the back, pinned them securely.
1T is yours to keep" she whispered.
"A Christmas present" Then, turning to
the woman at her side, she said, apollo
getically, Il really did not need it my
self" There was blink of tears in her
eyes.
well, now" the older woman ex-
claimed in admiration, you Just set me
to thinking! I'm really ashamed that
didn't think of doing something myself.
Here, Pve got two pairs of mittens for
my grandsOn-just about her size-in my
| bag; and he can't wear out more than
one pair this winter. Besides, can knit
another. It's nothing at all to knit nit
tens" She was busiiy undrawing the
strings of an enormous silk bag, but her
glasses were blurred and her fingers were
clumsy with haste.
whats your name, little girl? Katie?
| Well, hold out your hand. Katie. My!
Aren't they a good fit! There's another
Christmas present to keep. And here's
a frosted cake. Just eat it, right now,
Katie. Your grandma won't need it, with
all those you've got in your bundle"
The child again obcyed. She did not
say Thank you"-possibly she didn't
know how, but she seemed to glow all
over. and her eyes returned thanks even
if her timid lips did not
Pm proud to know you, my dear"
the roly-poly, comfortable woman turned
now to her more cultivated neighbor
You're right sort, can see that, even
if you are rich"
And | am proud to know you" the
other responded, almost shyly offering
her hand, which was quickly buried in a
big warm grasp. The rich are not so
very different at heart, ! hope"
At that instant the man OF the over
coat sauntered in to resume his seat /;
gave a low whistle OF surprise at the
happy little traveller next the window:
glanced at the two women, and compre-
hended the situation. His right hand
made a quick dive into his trousers peck
tl. Us u ~ EtL SDlilt DlU4its III aIibLntE
instant he withdrew it and reached up
to the rack overhead and lifted down
large paper bundle. Taking the bundle
across the aisle to an empty seat he
opened it and took out a smaller pack
age from among many others. Untying
this package he brought to light haxen-
haired doll dressed in the latest style and
resplendent in large picture hat This
he placed in the little girls arms, say
ing: From my little daughter, who
would rather you should have it." Then
he lifted his hat courteously to the WON
en-. took his overcoat on his arm, and
strobe OFF to find a seat elsewhere Rich
little Katie!
Passengers near were buried in news
papers. The little episodes were almost
unnoticed; but the angels knew that the