The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1909-12-08
"A BIT OF =
CHRISTINA
By c. E. wYMAN

By G. E. WYMAN
| copyright. 1909. by American Press Asso-
4 ciation.l
| T was Christmas morning and very,
very cold. Every few minutes a
trainman would come through the
car, watching carefully dial
faced thermometer and stopping to
turn screws of the heating apparatus
in persistent attempts to keep the
pointing finger at 20 degrees.
Despite the discomfort OF close air,
which was none too warm at best, the
passengers in the main wore joyous
faces and didn't seem to consider the
numerous packages and bundles an an
ncyance.
From wayside station. which look
ed as it 1t had never been neighbor to
any house where human beings lived.
poor little girl entered and dropped
into seat where an overcoat told that
its owner was probably in the smoking
car. The child did not notice this. and
in her ignorance Of travel it would
have made no difference IL she had.
She might have been eight or ten years
old. but that air of self reliance was
hers which poverty's child often ac-
quires very young. yet there was moth
ing forward or bold" in her appear
ance. Her dress was of the scantiest-
thin cotton gown. barely concealing
the lack of suitable underwear; little
worn shoulder shawl and battered
straw hat.
When the conductor appeared the
hand which presented her half fare
ticket was red with cold, but the small
frank face and confdingly Informed
him that she was going to grandma's
for Christmas and that the package
she clutched in her other hand contain
ed cookies for grandma.
The conductor smiled down at her.
A plying smile 1t was. as he thought
of his own well fed, well clothed chill
dren, with whom he expected to eat
late Christmas dinner when his run
was over. The smile fingered on his
face as he passed to the next seat and
saw that its occupants had heard.
Two women sat In the seat. stran-
gers to each other and as unlike as two
persons made on the same general
principles could be. One was tall. dig
nifed. Young, wrapped In costly furs.
everything about her showing the per-
son who never lacked nancy orieisnna;;,
the other. stout. jolly, elderly, comfort
able-a kindly and well to do woman.
The two had travelled miles and milea
side by side with not a. word passed
between them.
Now both sat with eyes fixed on the
forlorn bit Of humanity In front OF
them. Suddenly the younger woman
opened her travelling bag and took
from 1t a soft gray shawl. It was at
least two yards long aud. half as wide.
| Folding It together. she touched the
little waif, saying In q low tone,
''Stand up. my dear" The child obey
ed wonderingly. and this woman In
| the costly furs placed the folded shawl
around the small shoulders, crossed 1t
in front and. bringing the ends to the
back. pinned them securely.
ut is yours to keep" she whispered
"a Christmas present Then. turn
ing to the woman at her side. she said
apologetically. II really did not need
| it myself" There was blink of tears
in her eyes.
well. now" the older woman ex-
claimed in admiration. you just set
me to thinkin'. I'm really ashamed
that didn't think Of doing something
myself. Here. I've got two pairs Of
mittens for my grandson-just about
her size-in my hand bag. and he can't
wear out more than zone pair this win
ter. Besides. can knit another. It's
nothing at all to knit mittens." She
was busily undra wing the strings of an
enormous silk bag. but her glasses were
blurred. and her fingers were clumsy
with haste.
whats your name. little girl? Ka-
tie? Well. hold out your hands. Katie.
My! Aren't they good at. There's an
other Christmas present to keep. And
here's frosted cake. Just eat 1t right
now. Katie. Your grandma won't need
it. with all those you've got IN your
bundle"
The child again obeyed. She did not
! say, Auuuh YOU. ocS1O.S ouS u'u
not know how. but she seemed to glow
all over. and her eyes returned thanks
even If her timid lips did not.
I'm proud to know you. my dear
the rolly poly. comfortable woman said
now to the young lady. for she had
been saying to herself all the while
, you're the right sort. can see that
''And am proud to know you" thu
other responded. almost shyly offerin:
iner hand. which was quickly buried il
big. warm grasp. eve all long to b.
of service Mt Christmas time, yol
know"
At that instant the man of the over
coat sauntered in to resume his seat
He gave low whistle of surprise q
|. the happy little traveller next the win