The new era., 1910-12-22

8ourly At the toe OF his slipper.
Al Anthony Riggs lived all alone in
the big house. there was no one to
reply to his unpleasant remarks.
Downstairs In the kitchen his one
servant clattered noisily about her
work. Everywhere else in the house
It was very quiet. And there is no
silence like that of q great house
which has once known the joyful
clamor of large and happy family.
AFFAIR, but It ended most unhappily.
Tho girl had married another man
and Anthony Riggs had been left to
develop into . morose old bachelor
and not so very old,at that.
christmas comes but once year
and I'll try to get as far away from
1t as can," misquoted Mr.. Riggs
once more, as he kicked of his slip
pers and reached for his shoes. When
he was buttoned tightly into his fur
lined ulster and his sealskin cap was
pulled down owe. his ears there was
nothing to be seen save pair OF
very bright brown eyes and an aris-
tocratic nose.
Once In the snowy streets Anthony
Riggs found himself nearer to Christ
mas than he had been before. The
shops were overfowing with holly
wreaths and branches of mistletos,
toys and games and candy and nuts.
Beautiful gifts were displayed in the
windows and many happy, expectant
faces were pressed against the plate
glass panes.
Please. SIR" said small voice at
Anthony's elbow, cant you give me
Job carrying your bundles?"
What bundles?" frowned Anthony.
rYour Christmas presents
|, you're going to buy. sir" said the
little boy, respectfully.
'Tm not going to buy any pres
snts," replied Anthony quite fiercely.
Here's something for you-go and
buy your own gifts and don't bother
met" He thrust dollar bill into the
eager little fingers and strobe on. un-
mindful of the curious glances of
those who had overheard his conversa-
tioa with the little lad.
A glittering window full of Jewels
threw . nashlight on his memory. 1t
was in that same shop he had once
purchased q ring for Mary Wood. The
ring had been returned to him and
he had flung 1t into the farthest cor
ner Of his desk. 1t was there now.
He turned away and sauntered on.
In front Of his own church, friendly
hands drew him into the brightly
lighted basement OF the ediace where
the annual Christmas bazaar was in
progress.
There was q merry throng Of men,
women and children moving to and
fro among the booths devoted to the
sale of fancy articles. toys and candy.
room and in an obscure corner for
tune teller's tent was made of gay
shawls. In the middle Of the room
stood a gigantic Christmas tree, load
ed with gifts wrapped in tissue pa
per.
Ten cents will entitle you to a gift
from the tree" explained his guide.
II don't like presents" said An.
thony grimly.
Deacon Smithers smiled quizzically.
very we'll, suit yourself, Anthony!
There 10 the fortune teller-perhaps
she will predict happy future for
you! There Is the supper table, that
will insure you good meal-and the
booths-pay your money and take
your choice!" He moved away and
left Anthony Riggs standing pale and
cold In the midst Of the happy crowd.
Perhaps 1t was because he did not
know what else to do that Anthony
awaited his turn at the fortune tell
er's tent, and once within its dim re.
cesses he felt foolishly aware that
the future held nothing for him that
he did not know.
The gipsy's dark head was con-
cealed in the folds Of lace mantilla;
from the flowing sleeves of her red
velvet bodice, two slim brown arms
and hands flashed out and caught his
large hand. The lace-draped head
bent over his palm.
"You have had much sorrow" said
the gipsy in low musical voice, "but
much of 1t has been your own ma
king! Do the things shall tell you
and you will live to be very happy
and sec your dearest wish gratifed!"
AuIuOuy bAuioO SdIuohlcdily. Anu
the three things shall do?" he
asked
"The day after tomorrow is Christ.
mas day. Tomorrow night you must
make three persons happy. Find three
persons who are poor and needy and
sorrowful and take them to your home
and provide them with a bountiful
dinner; have gifts for them and when
they, have gone away blessing you
then, you may receive a gift your
self"
what will 1t be? l don't want
gift-I haven't Kept Christmas for
year1," protested Anthony, as he
placed some money on the table.
"Tine you did. thsni Don't forget
3.
Il G.