The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1912-01-06

BoBBY'S CHRISTMAS.


sky had been overcast with snow
clouds and now the flakes were be-
ginning to fall fine and fast, promising
good old-fashioned snowstorm and a
veritable white Christmas" From
early morn until night the streets had
been thronged with happy shoppers,
hurrying to and fro, each one intent
upon reaching his or her own particu-
lar destination. Shop windows were
ablaze with lights, and one could see
the busy salespeople rushing hither
and thither, while the customers
jostled one another in their eagerness
to be waited upon.
In front of one of the windows stood
boy about twelve years of age, poor.
ly but neatly dressed, gazing with a
longing and admiration at the tempt
ing goods displayed and wishing that
he, too, and Rose, and Teddy" could
all have Merry Christmas" on the
morrow. For some time past things
had looked pretty dark for Bobby
and his family with no bright of
definite outlook for the future. Poor
little fellow! How he had thought and
planned, hoped and trusted-aye, i'm
plicitly trusted in his young heart that
something would eventually turn up
and he would be able to welcome the
morrow with glad Merry Christ.
mas"
Now the Grahams had once been in
comfortable circumstances, but alas!
the unfortunate change which some
times seems to follow in the lives of
various human beings at last overlook
them, and where plenty and comfort
had reigned, there stepped in hard
times and want.
So Bobby" fingered for awhile and
then with very forlorn little face in
deed turned his steps homeward. And
methinks his thoughts were with the
dear ones there; what would his
mother think of his long absence? He
knew she would be worried. He was
only little fellow, the night was
stormy, and time was quickly passing
so he hurried on.
How his heart sank as he came
within sight of his home, hoping
against hope, fearful lest he be disap
pointed again. Wondering if it were
possible that through some kind act
of Providence their fortunes had
changed and they would say good
night this Christmas Eve as in former
years with happy anticipating hearts
waiting. for the morrow with all its
joyousness.
The first thing that arrested
s'Bobby's" attention, and one which
he devoutly hoped would prove good
omen was light burning brightly in
their apartments. Now this was some
what unusual, for the Grahams ha6
thoroughly learned by this time the
meaning of strict economy. Faster beat
his heart, while in his throat 9
pathetic little sob arose, but which he
manfully choked back, for it was ther
a full knowledge of the glad Christ
Imas-tide and what it meant came tt
him.
Up the stoop he went, now hurrying
now faltering, still fearful; but at last
his hands clasped the door-knob anG
turning it, he stepped within the hall
i There he paused abruptly with a be
wildering expression for the voices Of
Rose and Teddy f1oated merrily
down to him and above them every
now and then he caught the subdue6
happy tones of his parents. my!
something must have happened" sale
j Bobby" "and I guess we're going te
have Merry Christmas after all
OH" here sob arose again. e hope
SO. but it seems almost toe good to be
i true"
i So with lighter heart he ascende6
the stairs, little of the old fearful
mess still nesting within him and he
4 entered the room.
We'll, Bobby, where have you beer
at this late hour? was beginning te