Rocky Ford enterprise., 1909-12-17

science and give those people 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 don't believe therell be
enough In II to make the tree look real fcs-
tive" said Pamela so we'd better do what
we can at the village"
The tree trimming began that evening with
great gusto. Tom opened Geraldne's Christ
mas box expectantly and out tumbled n lot
of antiquated toys. half n 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 were two baskets OF cheap candy and
cake and few shopworh Christmas cards.
Toms wholesome face had taken n
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 Geraldine's generosity" he
exclaimed In voice that would have made
GeraIdne's ears burn furiously. had she
heard II.
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 n corner. for they did not seem de
signed for the tree
At 1880 the jangie 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 tirae dinner was the guests
were happy birds. even to the pale. weak
looking mother. who glowed with the reflected
happiness of her children.
And the Christmas tree surprise! It
almost too much to be quietly borne by chill
dren who had known very little Of Christ
mas layishness. Laden with gifts they de-
parted all aQuiyer with gratitude.
1T has been great success" 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.
isfaction 1t has left in my mind
What do you mean?" Pamela asked. frank
Iy surprised.
1T has made me feel dissatisfied with my
bachelor existence. 1t is lonely at best and .
pretty selfish way OF living"
so unmarried men are selfish and ire
sponsible as well unmarried women. are
they?" mused Pamela I'm rather glad to
hear that because I have often been cen.
sured for selfishness and obstinacy and"
DO you ever think seriously OF getting
married. PAM" Tom broke in.
Il haven't for years." was the frank an.
swer.
II have thought of II n 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.
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.
triumphanty. II wanted you years ago, Pam.
but now I want you a great deal more At 81
a man knows his mind perfectly. especially II
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
Pamelas 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 heard
what followed. She smiled n big, intensely
gratified smile 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 addc.,. triumphantly AN
she's done better'n any Of EN-. too. IL she Is
a Christmas scapegoat"