Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-12-13


like a little wild animal and con
demued him because he mad failedf
She had avoided speaking 10 MIN
afterward. and this was the first time
they had met. and she was talking TO
him now as IL she had forgotten that
be bad lost the grim battle for her
loved ones.
-"before my folks died." went on
Calista steadily. But it can't be done.
The minister talked to me about IL.
and l got to thinking last night may
be the best way 10 live over happy
times is to give them to somebody
else that never bad any. so I've
brought all the presents I've given
mother and father and the children
ever straightforward | want the folks
here to have them"
Two tears rolled down her cheeks
from Calista's overcharged heart, aud
others followed and fell into the glass
of grape juice which DIR. Reyes held
at her lips. and perhaps IL was that or
the large warm hand which rested on
her shoulder that revived the little
woman TO renewed strength.
"You need never be without fami-
Iy, Miss CaIista,'' said the doctor at
last in a husky voice 81 have a fami-
ly here-forty peopIe-oId and young.
and little children They need help
and encouragement and comfort. Some
may have another chance in the world
If they receive a word Of womanly
sympathy in season. VIII you be my
right hand hereT
I'D like to-" sobbed Calista thank
fully.
Together they distributed the con-
tents of the two baskets, and Calista
found her tongue saying soft pleas
antries and her cold face responding
warmly to grateful smiles.
She saw her mothers kindly look
and her fathers approving nod in the
faces of many of these INDECENT old
people, and the delight of Bobby and
little Ann were repeated tenfold by
the orphaned poor children of the doc
tors household.
You have been an angel in disguise
to them this Christmas day." said the
doctor as be carried Calista home in
his sleigh that evening. for Calista had
stayed TO the dinner of pork tenderloin
and apple sauce, with yegeta bles and
many dainties contributed by the good
overseer from his own scanty pocket.
Calista Tborp's house was empty no
longer There was always room for
some broken soul from the poorhouse
some one who dropped in the at
mosphere which could never be insep-
arabic from the institution and who
needed comfort and encouragement be
fore taking up the burden OF life and
attaining independence In the end.
The following Christmas Calista was
welcomed as an old friend by the in
mates of the poorhouse.
At her bidding each one bad hung
his or her stocking on a line stretched
before the dormitory doors. and that
evening CaIista and DR.. Reyes had
filed them all.
Calista's blue eyes were shining with
happiness as the doctor drove her
home under the Christmas stars.
I'VE remembered every one" she
said contentedly, leaning back among
the soft robes.
Every one?" he repeated doubt
fully.
''Why, who have we forgottenT
ME" he said gravely.
Calista's heart thumped painfully af
the new note in his deep voice.
''You have forgotten me, Calista. ]
have given you my heart. That is my
gift You have Gods gift. too. the love
Of my poor people and his love in
your heart. /. too. want a gift"
There was a hushed silence then IN
til CGlista found courage to ask shyiy.
what shall 1 give-to you-my best
friend?"
GIVE me q place in your heart.
Calista. must be there also. We will
work together Surely you have room
in your heart for me too"'
He leaned over and looked in her
eyes. where joy shone serene.
She gave her hand into his with sim
pie faith.
There is room in my heart for you.
for the memory OF my
dear ones, room for the whole world"