The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1909-12-18

science and give those people real good
time" she begged.
"Why, give them rousing good Christmas
tree I'll help" Tom offered cheer:uy.
Geraldine is sending Christmas box for
the Kensngtons, but 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 Geraldines Christ
mas box eXpectantly and out tumbled lot
of aniquated toys, half a dozen summer hats,
stained and crushed beyond repair, some
worn and none too clean waists and two drag
ged, silk-lined skirts. In the bottom of the
box were two baskets of cheap candy and
cake and few shopworn Christmas cards
Toms wholesome face had taken on
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.
so much for Geraldine's generosity" he
exclaimed in voice that would have made
Geraldine's ears burn furiously, had she
heard it.
At 10 O'Clock Tom took his cheerful leave.
promising to return by 10 o'clock Christ
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 30 the jangle of sleigh bells an.
nounced the arrival of the guests who trooDed
in rather timidly, bewildered by the lttleness
and humbleness of the cabin, evidently, but
Tom soon put them at ease.
BY the time dinner over the guests
were as happy 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 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-
cared when the jangle OF sleigh bells had died
away on the icy night air. zone phase of it
is regrettabe, 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
pretty selfish way Of living"
80 unmarried men are selfish and ire
sponsible as well as unmarried women are
they?' unused Pamela. I'm rather glad to
hear that because l have so often been cen.
sured for selfshness and obstnacy and"
DO you ever think seriously of getting
married, PAM" Tom broke in
Il haven't for years" was the frank an.
swer
q have thought of It good deal lately
very lately" he declared, significantly IF ycu
could make up your mind to marry me- Pam.
e'a, we could have many Christmas like this,
for We certainly"
Marry YOU" Pamela echoed turning her
crimsoning face toward the speaker WHY. 7
never once thought of-not for wears that is
she interrupted herself to say truthfully
But once you did think OF me-" Tom cried.
triumphanty Il wanted you years ago Pam,
but now want you great deal more. At 81
a man knows his mind perfectly, especially II
it concerns woman that he has known and
cared for all his life"
Then for the first time the remembrance
OF Geraldine's expectations surged through
Pameia's mind. She spoke Of II 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, and 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 hoard
what followed She smiled a big intsnsalv
Sratifed 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 long delicious pull 81 her
faithful pipe, she added, triumphantly. an
she done better'n any OF EN-. 100 II cha n
a Christmas scspegoat