Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1911-02-17
By CLARISsA MAcKIH

>~~>~N>~<>~~rN>~~G
81 don't see how we can afford to
observe Christmas this year, Henry"
remarked Mrs Tiddleberry two weeks
before that anniversary. We've had
SO much sickness and bad luck during
the past twelve months that to make
any gifts will mean getting In debt for
living expenses, and am unwilling to
do that"
Mr.. Tlddleberry looked up from his
paper with relieved expression on
his tired face 1--WE been bordering that
matter for several days, my dear"
Suddenly the wife looked up and
saw her husband take cigar from
his pocket, regard It speculatively and
then, signing, return 1t to the case,
Henry" she said, Smoke your CT
gar! You needn't think you're going
TO save on your only consolation just
to buy some foolish nonsense for the
children. How much of your months
salary will there be after you've laid
aside the amount Of the interest due
the first OF the year?"
None" confessed her husband can
didly.
'"rhen why should we try to observe
Christmas Just as IL this year had
been prosperous oneY
you have stumped me, Anne.
hate to give up Christmas, but guess
wen have to-"
"Pll do the best l can" promised
Mrs Tiddleberry as she folded up the
stockings. There Will be enough to
eat, but 1t will be plain. l laid little
money away for Bob's suit and for
Llnnles new coat, and that will be all
the Christmas they can have this year.
can make some black walnut candy
for them and some popcorn"
you're right, as usual, Anne" and
Mr.. Tlddleberry bent to kiss her flush
ed cheek.
When she broke the news to Linnie
and Bob the next day their young
faces grew quite round and solemn, and
she felt little lump In her throat as
they trudged off to school with a
cheerful IAN right. mother, dear"
They're disappointed enough" she
murmured, but they won't say any
thing. I'm proud OF their pluck"
Mr.. Tiddleberry developed habit Of
working late I'm the city, and each
night found him taking a later train
to his suburban home until finally he
stamped into the house on Christmas
eve inst as the clocks were striking H.
"Henry Tiddleberry." said his wife
severely. at seems to me the import
ing business is picking I'D or you're
getting behind with your books. There
must be some reason for your working
Iate ot the office. You never did Il be.
fore"
"There is an excellent reason, my
dear" said Mr. Tlddleberry amlably
as he hung his overcoat before the
kitchen stove to dry, (which I will ex.
plain to you In due time. II certainly
is wild night, Anne-a typical Christ
mas eve. Where are the youngstersf"
Gone to bed like lambs" said their
mother In burst OF admiration. II
haven't told them just what their
Christmas presents were to be, but
they are clever enough to guess, sup
pose. told them It was something
10 wear"
How about dinner tomorrow Got
everything In that you need%
Everything" said Mrs. Tiddleberry,
bending flushed face over the evening
newspaper she had just opened. u
told you this morning II would be the
first Christmas eve you didn't have to
do any shopping. Did you miss IT,
HenryT
did IT. exclaimed Mr.. IlddieDerry
emphatlcally.
80 did /, admitted Anne soDeriy.
Doesn't seem IKE christmas ut all
told the children 10 hang up tneH
stockings
"They might as wen, l suppose
said Mr.. 11ddleberry, rather gioomlly.
IF you hadn't forbidden me, Anne !
might have managed rev oranges OF
something believe I'll go out and
get some now lie reached INTO the
Kitchen Tor his oVercoat, Dut Anne
slipped to the china closet ana threw
open the door.
walt, Henry! LOOK thereF
Great smoker whlstied Mr.. Iiddle
perry ana then ne chuckIeu soitiy 70
himself. on Anne, Anne now couIo