Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1908-12-18
A BIT OF CHRISTMAS.

1HdH cttIHe through Cne car, watching care
fully a dial-faced thermometer, and
STOPPING to turn screws of the heating
apparatus, in persistent attempts to keep
the pointing finger at 70 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 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 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; a 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
which presented her half fare ticket was
red with cold; but the small person lifted
to him wonderfully frank face, and
ccnfdingly informed him that she was
going to grandma's 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 we'll fed, we'll clothed children, with
whom he expected to eat a 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 prinei-
pies could be. One was tall, dignifed,
young, wrapped in costly furs, everything
a~c-:t her showing the person who had
never lacked money or leisure. The 9th
er, stout, jolly, elderly, comfortable--a
kindly and well-todo 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 It was at least two
yards 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.
at is yours to keep" she whispered
GA Christmas present" Then, turning to
the woman at her side, she said, apollo
getically, IT really did not need it my
self" There was blink of tears in her
eyes.
teWell. now" the older woman ex-
claimed in admiration, 'you just set me
to thinking! I'm really ashamed that l
didn't think of doing something myself
Here, I've got two pairs of mittens for
my grandson-just about her size-ln 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 b1siiy 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 obeyed. 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.
'I'm proud to know you, my dear,
the roly poly, comfortable woman turned
now to her more cultivated nelghbor
YOU'RE right sort, / can see that, even
if you are rich" :,
siAnd l am proud to know YOU" the
other responded, almost shyly offering
her hand. which was quickly buried III
big. warm grasp. 'sThe 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 low whistle OF surprise at the
happy little traveller next the window;
Glanced at the two women, and compre
bended the situation. His right hand
made a quick dive into his trousers peck
ct. as if to get some money; IN another
instant he withdrew it and reached up
to the rack overhead and lifted down
large la e paper bundle. Taking the b.. bundle He
across the aisle to an empty seat ne
opened it and took out smaller pack
age from among many others. Untylns
this package he brought to light ala flaxe n
haired doll dressed in the latest style ana
r ,,ps.r in a large picture hat This
he nlaced in the little girls arms, say
INC. "From my little daughter VINO
would rather you should have It; linen
he lifted his hat courteousiy to tne WON
on. took his overcoat on ms arm ana
strobe off to find a seat elsewhere hicn
little Katie! = ors
Passengers near were buried IN news news.
napers. The little episodes were aln ttss
unnoticed: but the angels kne" 1has Tug