Norwich bulletin., 1912-12-21
A MERRY CHRISTMAS

Why shouldn't she do it? Agnes had set her thinking already, and this chance conversation seemed meant for her. She turned to the two ladies, and, with a murmured word of apology, in terupted their talk Pardon me, but overheard what you said of the chill dren, whose mother had been recent ly taken from them. I have no claims on my time just now, and l think want to give those children a Christ mas treat and tree. Could 1 do it, do you think?"
 Indeed you could, and you are more than kind to offer it. I'll help you all U can. and am sure 1t will be com Ifort to you as well as a pleasure to them"
 Marjorie's face already began to brighten as she interested herself in the matter. Furnished with. the ad- dress of the children, lle hunted them up, ascertained their ages, and ar ranged for them to come to her house on Christmas Eve for the tree. and left very happy group behind her when she said good-by to them. They evidently considered her veritable Santa Claus, though one of the little I ones alid, Santa Claus is man, but he nA st have sent her. Perhaps she | in his wife.
 How short the week seemed to her. | as she hurried about making her pre- parations for thei entertainment, and 1 it was the happiest week she had ex- 1 perienced since her great grief had come to her. She even caught her self smiling and humming 8 Christ mas song, as she trimmed up her rooms for the little folk. and set the tree in place. How their eyes glisten-
 ed with wonder and joy when they bsheld the tree lighted for their in- l spection. Never was there such tree, 1 they felt sure, and never had such
 a feast of good things fallen to their lot before.
 plan, for" said Marjorie, T should
 never have thought If 1t, If you had
 not said what you did. The credit
 of it all is yours"
 And it has done you good" re- sponded Agnes. T am sure YOU will never return to the sadness of month ago."
 T hope not" replied Marjorie. q did not realize how selfish l was in my sorrow, and I am certain Papa and
 Mamma would be glad to know that
 am doing this tonight You see that l have frightened my black for the sake of the children, and do not intend tc ireturn to the dress have cast aside
 How happy the children are!" ex. claimed Agnes, land what merry time they are havingl I particularly
 admire that little girl with the fiaxer lcurls."
 They call her Bessie. She is very
 winsome and merry. If 1t were pos sible l think should like to keep hel with me for the entire winter. mean to ask their father when ht comes to take them home. He was iquite overwhelmed with gratitude al what I have done and 1t seems SC little to me. But let's see what tht fun is," as founder shouts than common came from the group about the tree "Oh, they have found the boxes ot candy concealed in the evergreen al
 the base of the tree."-
 'TL try them with the Christina.
 songs," said Agnes. 'and they gathered
 about the piano as she played on' familiar tune after another, and hert
 the fond father found them wheI
 he came. His eyes glistened witf ] grateful tears as he thanked Marjorie for her kindness, but she protested i
 was real favor to her to let then come.
 As they bade her gocd-night. eaci loaded with gifts and goodies, the! ewished her 8 Merry Christmas, ant : she smiled, as she said to Agnes afte stheir departure, N"Thanks to you. m. dear, it bids fair N be a Merry Christ . imas, after all" AN IDLER. !