Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1912-12-23
"No; I'm no. married." Gilber.


But John did not pursue the sub
ject. His wife's look had reminded
him that they had agreed to ask no
questions Of their guest.
Came the pudding amid enthusI-
asm.
"Her mothers" explained the host
to the guest, indicating his wife with
his spoon. Every year it comes,
sure as Christmas. We've been used
to havin' bird, too, but this year.
Well, what's the odds?' he laughed.
| Take your fill, Mr.. Steel. Glad to
see you-always."
1t wasn't the pudding that made
the lump In Gilbert's throat just
then. The sheer hospitality, the
happiness around him, were almost
too much for him.
The children, their appetites salts
fed, were now inclined to tire OF the
joys of the table. The older ones
sought to follow the talk of the
grown-ups, the younger grew rest
less. One stole to the window and
announced that 1t was pouring like
"anysing."
ooh, we'll, we can't help the veg
ther, no matter If it be Christmas, :"
said John, grinning comfortably and
cuddling the drowsy child on his
knee. "Did you come in the car or
the train to-day, Mr.. Steel?" 1t was
an innocent question to have such a
far-reaching result.
"No, Daddy" said the second old
est girl, who had been the quietest
OF the Iarty, "the strange gentle
man came in a taxi. see him step
pin out at the corner"
Gilbert Steel went scarlet to the
ears.
"Well, we'll. IT'S a fine conven-
ience, taxi. to be sure, though I've
never tried it," said John, and stop
ped short.
"Oh, yes, to be sure" echoed his
wife-was 1t a little dryly? The
gentleman in unfortunate circum-
stances" who had yet been able to
arrive In taxi was now pale, and
feeling desperately helpless.
A touch on the arm gave him an
inspiration. 1t was the oldest boy
who had touched him. He bent to.
wards the youngster.
Take your brothers and sisters to
the bag l left outside" he said in a
voice not his own. "Open the bag.
A friend Of mine-Father Christmas,
maybe, sent it. It's full of toys and
things-for you ALL"
The boy stared and hesitated until
his little brother piped shrilly: az
knowed he wasn't real gentleman
at all. He's sort O. Santa Claus.
Come on and get the toys"
There was scramble from the
parlor.
Gilbert bowed his head. What was
he to say to this good man and wo-
man who had taken him on trust?
Followed long silence, save for the
sound Of scuffling in the passage.
At last" 'Tis O. no consequence,
sir" said John, in voice betoken-
ing self-restraint. 'No doubt you
just did 1t for fun
| But from Johns wife came a sob.
Gilbert forced himself to look up.
Let me tell you," he said, "please
let me tell you the whole story"
Shrieks of rapture came from the
passage.
Mrs. Wodd rose. Don't co." said
Gilbert. II want to tell you"
"The children" she said. "Tell
John, If you like" She went to the
door, called for quiet outside, and
came back. 'Tisn't a joke I mind,
and you've made the children happy,
but" She broke off and went out
quickly.
Gilbert turned to John.
"I'm listenin'," said the man,
shortly.
Gilbert told his story, then rose
and with somo difdence offered his
hand
The other appeared not to notice
1t. saying, well, sir, you've surely
been in more unfortunate circum-
stances than ever we thought" The
words were kindly enough, but the
warm friendliness had gone from
the speakers voice.
We'll, l suppose 7 must co." said
Gilbert. John did not speak. "But |
should like to say something more
to you, Mr. Wedd, If you could ask
/ ME To STAY q litIla lon nnl -