The Hope pioneer. [volume] (Hope, N.D.) 1882-1964, 1909-12-23

science and give those people a real good
time she begged.
why. give them a rousing good Christmas
tree. I'll help" Tom offered cheerfully.
Geraldine is sending a Christmas box for
the Kensingtons, but 1 don't believe therell be
enough in it to make the tree look real fes-
tive" said Pamela, $50 we'd better do what
we can at the village"
The tree trimming began that evening with
great gusto. Tom opened Geraldine's Christ:
mas box expectantly and out tumbled a lot
of antiquated toys, half a dozen summer hats,
stained and crushed beyond repair, some
worn and none too clean waists and two drag
gled, silk-lined skirts. In the bottom Of the
box we're two baskets Of cheap candy and a
cake and a few shopworn Christmas cards.
Toms wholesome face had taken on a
look of deep disgust. He caught up the arm
full Of rumpled fnery and flung it violently on
the glowing Goals of the big fireplace.
$50 much for Geraldine's generosity" he
exclaimed in a voice that would have made
Geraldine's ears burn furiously, had she
heard it.
promising to return by 10 o'clock on Chrish
mas morning.
Tom reappeared promptly at the appointed
hour, with additional packages, which he
stotwed in a corner, for they did not seem de-
signed for the tree.
At 1880 the jangle Of sleigh bells an
nounced the arrival of the guests, who trooped
in rather timidly, bewildered by the littleness
and humbleness of the cabin, evidently, but
Tom soon put them at ease.
By the time dinner was over the guests
were as happy as birds, even to the pale, weak
looking mother, who glowed with the reflected
happiness of her children.
And the Christmas tree surprise! 1t was
almost too much to be quietly borne by chill
dren who had known so very little of Christ
mas lavishness. Laden with gifts, they de-
parted all %a-quiver with gratitude.
1T has been a great SUGGEST" Tom de-
clared when the jangle Of sleigh bells had died
away on the icy night air. One phase of it
is regrettable, though, and that is the dissat-
isfaction it has left in my mind"
what do you mean?" Pamela asked, frank.
ly surprised.
1T has made me feel dissatisfied with my
bachelor existence. It is lonely at best and a
pretty selfish way of living"
$50 unmarried men are selfish and ire
sponsible as we'll as unmarried women, are
they?" unused Pamela. "tm rather glad to
hear that because I have SO often been cen.
sured for selfshness and obstinacy and"
Do you ever think seriously of getting
married, PAM" Tom broke in.
II haven't for years. was the frank an.
swer.
u have thought of 1t a good deal lately
very lately" he declared, significantly. IF you
could make up your mind to marry me, Pam.
ella, we could have many a Christmas like this,
for we certainly"
Marry you!" Pamela echoed, turning her
crimsoning face toward the speaker. "Why.
never once thought of-not for years. that is,'
she interrupted herself to say truthfully.
But once you did think of me-" Tom cried,
triumphantly. II wanted you years ago, Pam,
but now I want you a great deal more. At 81
a man knows his mind perfectly, especially If
1t concerns a woman that he has known and
cared for all his life"
Then for the first time the remembrance
of Geraldine's expectations surged through
Pamela's mind. She spoke of it in a confused,
embarrassed way, whereupon Tom laughed
and said he guessed the Clydes would survive
the disappointment, especially as he had never
given them any grounds for such expectations.
Come, Pam, give me my answer" he
urged, land don't forget that the season
called fora joyous one to me-"
Aunt Sally, listening eagerly behind the
half-shut kitchen door, saw rather than heard
what followed. She smiled a big, intensely
gratiied smile as she turned back to her fra.
grant old pipe.
THANK the good Lord, she's settled at
last" she exclaimed, gratefully.
Then. after a long, delicious pull at her
faithful pipe, she added, triumphantly, can
she's done better'n any Of EN-, too, ii she u
q Christmas scapegost."