Polk County observer. (Monmouth, Polk County, Or.) 1888-1927, 1911-12-15


tiful world, but she was so
disappointed that it was difficult to
follow Uncle Toms advice and keep
stiff upper lip" For the first time
since she could remember she would
have 20 spend Christmas without her
father and mother. They had started,
it is true, in time to join their little
daughter before the holidays at Uncle
Toms and Aunt Ellen's, where Polly
was spending the winter vacation
But an unusual fall of snow had stall
ed their train.
Polly felt SO homesick, however,
that she decided not to trim the little
tree which was braced up In the room
behind her. She gazed dolefully out
over the snow covered meadows and
watched the lights that appeared. one
after another. in the neighboring
houses. In the nearest house lived the
Pratts, large family Of happy boys
and girls. Farther off. at the foot OF
a little hill, was the Edwards cottage
the home of the village postman. his
wife and their two boys. They were
all recovering from heavy colds and
had not been out for several days.
Polly thought how cheerless their
home was compared with other
homes, for Mrs. Edwards was an in.
valid. and the two boys were too young
to help much about the house, While
their father when he returned at night
was TOO tired to do anything except
eat his supper and go to bed. A stunt
ed fir tree grew in their yard. Polly
noticed how its icy covering sparkled
in the bright moonlight. Suddenly
she left the window.
"Oh, Aunt Ellen" she exclaimed, Il
have just thought of the loveliest
plan!'
.'What is 1t, dearie?' asked Aunt
Ellen. looking up from her sewing.
II want to give the Edwardses
Christmas tree
NMy dear child. of course you can.
I'll ask Uncle Tom TO carry the tree
down. and you can take the trim
But" excitedly interrupted Polly.
al don't want my tree. They have
one of their own"
'The Edwardses?"
Eyes. auntie--the dwarf flr in their
yard. It's Just beautiful tonight with
all the sparkly snow on it. IN stop
for the Pratts and get them to help"
-'You dear child" again exclaimed
her aunt, run right along. Your own
things for the tree are in that box.
and here are your mittens."
ayes. Auntie," answered Polly. She
buttoned up her warm coat. fastened
her hood and In a few minutes was
knocking at the door of the house
across the road.
The entire Pratt family welcomed
her boisterously. inviting her to help
eat the candy and popcorn balls they
had Just been making.
mo, thank you" she said. her eyes
sparkIing with fun, but will you
please do up my share and put it on
my sledT"
"What for?
"What-have you got on It alreadyT'
isn't It a cold night for a plcnicT
1'Where are you going"
These and many other questions
were asked her in quick succession
When she told them her plan they
were delighted. and. while suggestions
few from one to another. deft fingers
did up many parcels OF different
shapes and sizes. In an hour. drag
ging their well filled sleds. they start
ed on their happy errand.
They were so excited that at first
they could not lower their voices. but
when they began TO decorate the httlt
tree that stood so alone. dressed In its
mantle of ice and snow. they quite
forgot TO talk. Their busy fingers alb
sorbed all their attention. and when
their task was completed they stood in
an almost awed silence looking at the
transformed tree. A number Of light
ed candles twinkled from among the
branches Big oranges. bright red
apples and huge lunches Of white
grapes hung in profusiOn. Gay cornu
copias filed to over1Owing. grotesqus
gingerbread figures and generous pop
corn balls hung there. Wnlie yaros OF
silver and gilt tinsel and various orna
ments helped TO perfect the whole
Several books and two pairs Of skatel
were put near a warm shawl and q
stout pair Of boots at the base Of the
tree. and a beautiful silver and gnuzs
star was fastened to the top branch
That Is just the finishing touch
whispered Polly. -and now wen cal
them"
She started to tap on the window
but a man came in from the road Jus
then and motioned her to wait
~Oh." she exclaimed. 1t is Unci'
Tom with bis violini He IL going &
play"
he stood near the tree. the ehlidrez
eatbered around him. and when b
BEGAN 70 play God Rest Ie. Mem