The Julesburg grit-advocate., 1909-12-17

science and give those people a real good
time" she begged.
why give them rousing good Christmas
tree: I'll help" Tom offered cheerfully.
Geraldine is sending Christmas box for
the Kensingtons. but don't believe there'll be
enough in it to make the tree look real fes
tive" said Pamela. 80 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 lot
OF antiquated toys. half dozen summer hats.
stained and crushed beyond repair. some
worn and none too clean waists and two drag
gled. silklined skirts In the bottom Of the
box were two baskets Of cheap candy and q
cake and few shopworh Christmas cards.
Toms wholesome face had taken a
look Of deep disgust. He caught up the arm
full Of rumpled finery and flung it violently on
the glowing Goals of the big fireplace.
so much for Geraldines generosity" he
exclaimed in a voice that would have made
Geraldine's burn furously. had she
heard It,
At 10 o'clock Tom took his cheerful leave.
promising to return by 10 o'clock on Christ
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 tangle 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 tine 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 very little OF Christ
mas lavishness. Laden with gifts. they de-
parted all a-quiver with gratitude.
1T has been great SUGGEST" Tom de-
clared when the jangle Of sleigh bells had died
away on the icy night air. "One phase of 1t
is regrettable. though. and that is the dissat
tsfaction it has left in my mind"
What do you mean?" Pamela asked, frank
ly surprised.
ut has made me feel dissatisfied with my
bachelor existence. 1t is lonely at best and q
pretty selfish way of living"
so unmarried men are selfish and ire.
sponsible as well unmarried women are
they?" unused Pamela I'm rather glad to
hear that because l have SO often been cen
sured for selfshness and obstinacy and"
do you ever think seriously of getting
married, PAM" Tom broke in.
81 haven't for years." was the frank an
swer
II have thought Of it n good deal lately
very lately" he declared significantly III you
could make up your mind to marry me, Pam
ela we could have many Christmas like this,
for we certainly"
Marry you!" Pamela echoed turning her
crimsoning face toward the speaker "Why, I
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 great deal more At ~
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
Pamea'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 tho
halfshut kitchen door. saw rather than heard
what followed. She smiled big intensely
gratified smile she turned back to her fra.
grant old pipe.
Thank the good Lord. she's settled 1t
last" she exclaimed. gratefully
Then. after long. delicious pull at her
faithful pipe. she added, triumphantly, AN.
she's done bettern any Of 'em. too, IL she ID
q Christmas scapegoat"