The evening world., 1911-08-09
Four Weeks Of O, HENRY Stories

at II cust-customary,' he said to
James. the Mustered, when a gentle
man calls on Christmas Eve to pass
the compliments Of the season with the
lady OF the house. You und'stand7 I
shall not move shtep til I pass COM
pl'ments season with lady the house.
Una stand
There was an argument. James lost
Fuzay raised hts voice and sent II
through the house ~unplcasantly. I did
not say he was u gentleman. He was
simply a tramp being visited by n ghost.
A sterling silver bell rang. James
went back to answer II, leaving Fuzzy
In the hall. James explained some
where to some one.
Then he came and conducted Fuzzy
into the library.
The lady entered a moment later.
She was more beautiful and holy than
any picture that Fuzzy had seen. She
smiled and said something about n doll.
Fuzzy didn't understand that. he re-
m%embered nothing about 4 doll.
A footman brought n two small
glasses of sparkling wine on n stamped
sterling silver waiter. The Lady took
one. The Other was banded 20 Fuzzy.
As mis- fingers closed on the slendcr
glass stem his disabilities dropped from
| MN lbI INV DTltI Ulull''lAs u tNId ~
ened himself: and Time, SO disobl!rlng
to most Of MS. turned backward to ac-
commodatc Fuzzy
Forgotten Christmas ghosts whittier
than the false boards OF the most opr.
lent kriss Kringle were rising IN The
fumes Of Grogan's whiskcy. what had
the Millionalre's mansion to do with q
long. walnscoted virginia hli!. where
the riders were grouped around a sill.
yer punch-bowl. drinking the ancient
toast OF the House? And why should
the pattcr OF tho cab horses hoofS on
the frozen street be IN any wise related
TO the sound Of the saddled hunters
stamping under the shelter Of the west
veranda? And what had Fuzzy 10 do
with any OF it?
The Lady. looking at him over her
glass. let her condescendlng smile fade
away like "A false dawn. Her eyes
turned serious. She saw something be-
meath tho rags and Scotch terrier whis-
kers that she did not understand. But
Il did not matter.
Cantly.
'P-pardon. lady" he sail. "tut
couldn't leave without e~xchangll' com
p'ments sheason with lady tn house.
] 'Gainst principles gentleman do sho"
And then he began the ancient salu-
tatlon that was n tridiu1n y. the
House when men wore lace rufflcs and
powder,
The blessings OF another year.
Fuzzy's memory failed him. The Lady
prompted.
DE upon this hearth"
THE guest stammered Fuzzy.
And upon her who"- continued
the Lady. with a leading smile.
4an - -. - ..Nl INtu..aV IN 49,
ncredlyl Il cant remember. Drink
hearty"
Fuzzy had shot his arrow. They drank,
The Lady smiled again the smile of her
caste. James cnvclopcd Fuzzy and re-
conducted him toward the front door,
The harp music still softly driftel
through the house.
outside, Black Riley breathcd on his
cold hands and Rugged the gate.
I wonder" said the Lady to herself,
musing. "who-but there were SO many
who came. | wonder whether memory
IL a curse or a blessing to them after
they have fallen so low"
Fuzzy and hLs escort were nearly AT
tn. door. The Lady called: james,
James stalked back obsequiously. lcny-
Ing Fuzzy waiting uusteadily. with his
brief spark OF the divine fire gone.
Outside. Black Riley stamped his cold
feet and got a frmer grip on his section
Of gas-pipe,
you will conduct this gentleman, %
said the Lady. Downstairs. Then tell
Louis n get out the Mercedes and tax
him TO whatever place he wishes 70 go