The Rich Hill tribune., 1909-12-16

science and give those people a real good
time" she begged.
why give them rousing good Christmas
tree I'll help" Tom offered oheerfuily.
Geraldine is sending Christmas box for
the Kensingt0ns, but don't believe there1l 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 a lot
OF antiquated toys half dozen summer hats.
stained and crushed beyond repair, some
worn and none too clean waists and two drag.
glod. silk.lined skirts. II she bottom OF the
box were two baskets OF cheap candy and a
cake and few shopwon Christmas cards.
Toms wholesome face had taken on a
look Of deep disgust He caught up the arm
ful Of rumpled fnery and flung st violently on
the glowing Goals of the big fireplace.
so much for Geraldine's generosity" he
exclaimed IN a voice that would have made
Geraldine's ears burn furiously. had she
heard e.
AZ 10 O'Clock Tom took bis cheerful leave.
promising 10 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 sor the tree.
At 1880 the iangle Of sleigh bells an.
nounced the arrival OF the guests. who trooped
in rather timidly. bewildered by the llttleness
and humbleness OF the cabin. evidently. but
Tom soon put them at ease.
By the time dinner was over the guests
we're as happy as birds. even to the pale weak
looking mother, who glowed with the reflected
happiness Of her children.
And the Christmas tree surprsei Il was
almost TOO much 10 be quietly borne by chill
dren who had known so very little Of Christ
mas lavishness, Laden with gifts they de-
parted all a-quivcT with gratitude.
IL has been great SUGGEST" Tom de
clared when the iangle OF sleigh bells had died
away on the icy night air "One phase OF II
Is regrettahle though and that Is the dlssat-
isfaction Il has left IN my mind"
what do you meaug" Pamela asked. frank
ly surprised.
1T has made me foel dissatisfied with my
bachelor existence. Il Il lonely al best and a
pretty selfish way Of IiylnE"
$50 unmarried men are selfish and ire
sponHihie wen as unmarried women. are
theyl" mused Pamela I'm rather glad 10
hear that because I have 30 often been cen.
sured for selnshness and otgtlnaey and
DO you ever think seriously Of getting
married PAM" Tom broke In.
= haven't for years" was the frank an.
swer
Z have thought OF Il good deal lately
very lately" he declared, significantly. III you
could make up your miad 10 marry me- Pam.
ella, We could have many a Christmas like this.
for we certainly"
marry youl" Pamela echoed, turning her
erimsoning face toward the speaker "Why,
never once thought of-uoi for years that Is .
she interrupted herself to say tfuthfuliy.
"But once you did think Of me-" Tom cried
triumphantly. \ wanted you years ago Pam
but now ] want you great deal more. AZ 81
a man knows his mind perfectly especially II
Il concerns a woman that he has known and
cared for an his life"
Then FOR the first time the remembrance
OF Geraldines expectations surFod through
Pamelas mind She spoke OF Il in a confused
embarrassed way. whereupon Tom laughed
and said be guessed the Ciydes would survive
tbs disappointment. especially as he had never
given them any grounds for such expectations
Come Pam. give me my anawer" hs
urged. "und don't forget that tke soasor
called fora Joyous one 70 me-"
Aunt Sally listening eagerly behind ii,
hali-shut kitchen door saw rather than heard
what followed. She smiled a big iDlsnsel,
gratlned smile as she turned back 10 her IA
grant old pipe.
Thank the GOOD Lord. she's settled a
last" she exclaimed. gratefully
Then, after q long. delicious pun al be-
faithful pipe. ahe added triumphantiy. aAn
she's done beitor'n any oi 'em. too, Il ahe 4