Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1910-12-21
Award End 1t died. And she thought
he wg ID like this. o Will, II we
had y ed it!"

ails"eINt.-s--4a tE.--s-a mere now, Annlef (.
20, tdsEhe market now. j won't
stop again. she promised "It's
your turn next a
Inside the market things were In
full swing, but outside on the sur
rounding sidewalks the Christmas
forests Of the week had nearly all
vanished. A few darkies there were
still, offering holly and crowsfoot,
but FOR the most part only scattered
leaves and berries or discarded
branches were left. Yet, though the
greens were gone, their spicy breath
still blew around the place, and the
Christmas crowds filled the side
walks. A boy thrust sprig of mis-
tletoe into their~faces.
Fifteen cents" he chanted, ''only
fifteen cents. Look at the berries on
it, mister! Only fifteen cen nts-ten
cents-five cents!"
The man stopped. The involun-
tary pull upon his arm and the pull
upon his memory came together.
The Christmas mistletoe-why there
was mistletoe that first night he
pulled out nickle hurriedly for fear
the chance might pass. and put the
sprig into Annies hand. ohe look
ed up at him, her tired eyes shining.
There was no need of words
Just outside the market door they
came upon an old darkey yet stand
ing guard over a pile Of holly. An
ME hesitated, passed, and then turn
ed back.
81 do want a bit to send in to the
little drcssmaker," she pleaded.
"Would 1t be extravaganza"
isn't that" he returned, what
Christmas is for-to be extrava-
gant?"
''ln love-" she flashed back. 20
yes, that's it," She turned her eager
face to the old man
81 want the pretticst five cent
piece you have" she said. "lt's for
a tired little dressmaker; to make
her forget sewing machines for a few
minut 5. Have you real pretty
branch?"
The old mans keen eyes travelled
over the two. Perhaps no saw
things; perhaps it was Annie's ca
ger, coniiding smile. He broke off a
generous branch and held 1t up.
'How's that, missy?" he asked.
That" Annie replied 90 it's
beautiful-but have just five cents
for-for this"
He waved his hand magnificently.
"Ain't 'sposin' Of this yere holly?"
he asked Oats jes' nickle, missy"
"O,"y AnRie gasped 80 how
loysly!" Then looking iuto the old
,,Winkled face, she added, Merry
Ehristmas to Soh:
Same to you, missy" he respond
ed promptly.
Annie, giving her husband the
holly, slipped her hand through his
arm with a sigh Of content. "Isn't t
it being dear?" she asked 81
wouldn't-O WILL, look there. They
are SO tired, all of them
what will you do about it?" he
asked. Carry them all?"
81 guess maybe I'll carry one and
you another" she replied. Never
mind If 1t surprises her. People
can't be strangers Christmas Eve.
Come, St Christopher. ] know they
are only trying to get to tho car"
She was already half way to the
weary little group-the girl mother
and the three babies. The girl look
ed up startled as Annie touched her,
but in moment wave OF relief
crept over her tired face.
20, If you could" she breathed.
"Thcre wasn't anybody to leave them
with so l had to bring them ALL and
now they're tired, and Tommy has
sat down three times and refused to
go another step, and didn't know
what to do"
VIII lifted Tommy with long arm
and perched him on his shoulder.
"This is a much better place to
sit, young man." he assured him. 81
can take the youngster too, Annie, if
you'll manage the holly. $40 isn't
much Of youngster."
But Annie held her jealously. 20
no, | want her!" she cried. "She
isn't heavy, Will, not bit. It's
It's so dear to carry a baby Christ
mas Eve.
They went down the square to the
car. The man, catching the look in
Annie S face as she cuddled the mid