The Democratic banner. (Mt. Vernon, Ohio) 1898-192?, 1912-12-03

When she spoke her eyes were fasten-
ed on the red coals, and the words
came hesitatingly.
1--WE kept Christmas alone - for
twelve years. Somehow I didn't care
about seeing anybody. just wanted
to try to bring back things az they
used to be-before"-
DIR. Keyes wiped his glasses and re-
placed them on his fine nose. Had he
Aot stood side by side with little Ca
lista Thorp and fought hopelessly the
battle Of life and death-and lostP
And had not Calista turned on him like
4 little wild animal and condemned
him because he had failed?
She had avoided speaking to him
afterward. and this was the first time
they had met, and she was talking to
him now as II she had forgotten that
he had lpst the grim battle for her
loved ones.
--"before nv folks died." went on
Calista steadily. But 1t can't be done!
The minister talked to me about 1t,
and got to thinking last night maybe
the best way to live over happy times
Is to give them to somebody else that
never had any. so I've brought all the
presents I've given mother and father
and the children ever since-then--and
I want the folks here to have them"
Two tears rolled down her cheeks
from Calista's overcharged heart. and
others followed and fell into the glass
VI grape Juice which DR.. Keyes held at
her lips. and perhaps 1t was that or the
large warm hand which rested on her
shoulder that revived the little woman
to renewed strength.
"You need never be without q fami-
ly. Miss Calista." said the doctor at
last in husky voice. ~ have fami-
ly here--forty people-old and young.
and little children. They need help
and encouragement and comfort. Some
may have another chance In the world
II they receive word Of wOmanly
sympathy in season. Will you be my
right hand hereT
ard like to-" sobbed Calista thank
fully.
Together they distributed the con.
tents Of the two baskets, and Calista
found her tongue saying soft pleas
antries and her cold face responding
warmly to grateful smiles.
She saw her mothers kindly look
and her fathers approving nod In the
faces Of many Of these INDECENT old
people. and the delight Of RObby and
little Ann were repeated tenfold by the
orphaned poor children VT the doctors
household.
"YOu have been an angel in disguise
to them this Christmas day." said the
doctor as he carried Calista home In
| his sleigh that evening. for Calista had
stayed to the dinner of pork tenderloin
and apple sauce. with vegetables and
many tlainties contributed by the good
overseer from his own scanty pocket.
| Calista Thorp's house was empty no
longer. There was always room for
some broken soul from the poOrhOuse
some one who dropped In the at.
mosphere which, could never be insep-
arable from the institution and who
needed comfort and encouragement be-
lore taking up the burden of life and
attaining independence In the end.
The following Christmas Calista was
welcomed as an old friend by the In
mates of the poorhouse.
At her bidding each one had hung
his or her stocking on a line stretched
before the dOrmitory doors, and that
evening Callsta and DIR. Keyes had
filed them all.
Calista's blue eyes were shining with
happiness as the doctor drove her
nome under the Christmas stars.
1--WE remembered every one" she
said contentcdly. leaning back among
the soft robes.
"Every one?" he repeated doubt
.ully.
"Why. who have we forgotten?"
"Me." he said gravely.
Callstas heart thumped painfully al
the new note In his deep voice.
"You have forgotten me. Cnlista.
have given you my heart. That IL my
gift. You have Gods gift, too. the love
vr my poor people and his love In your
heart, |. too, want gift"
There was n hushcd silence then un
Ill Calista found courage to ask shyly
what shall ! give-to yOu-my best
friend?"
"Glve me a place In your heart
Calista. must he there also, We will
work together. Surely you have room
in your heart for me toOr'
He leaned over and looked In hel
eyes. where Joy shone serene.
She gave her hand Into his with sim
pie faith.
'There IL room In my heart for you
Henry-room for the memory Of my
dear ones. room for the whole world"