Lexington gazette. [volume] (Lexington, Va.) 1871-1962, 1912-12-25
A CHRISTMAS
A LA MODE.

the Gay Oh last NAoAS w thO
calendar, made the discovery
that l was to belong to father on
Christmas day.
This may sound bit confusing, for
most little girls belong equally to their
parents, but l, Willette Warrington
don't. Ever since l can remember
mother has lived In our nice apart
ment I'm Central Park West, and IA
Their has lived down in the Fifties.
lust of the avenue. And l belong to
mother year in and year out. except
ing three days In each month. and for
these three days l belong TO father.
When Rose Marie made the discov-
cry that my next visit TO Fifty-some-
thing street would fall upon the 18th
Of December she was quite ready TO
cry her little black eyes out.
Father sent the brougham on the
morning of the 9th.
billie. Billie. dearr cried mother
clasping me tightly in her arms when
she caught sight of the carriage which
was to take me away.
Don't you want me to go. motherT
] asked n little unsteadily.
Want you to go!' she cried. Then
she hesitated and added. very calm
and self possessed: "Of course al
ways want you with me, Billie. dear
but then so does your father want you.
and for the next three days you he
long to him. So want you to 80.
But now-and tomorrow Christmas
day! oh. mother, won't see you to
morrow-won't l see you on Christmas
day." l cried. clinging fast to her
pretty gown.
I'm afraid not, sweetheart" she
said gently.
But l want you-I want you. moth
er. on Christmas day Of all days in the
year" I said.
But don't you want your father.
too. Billie. dear" she asked. "Oh.
know You do-you must. So run
along. dear little girl, run-quickly"
She let me 20 and pushed me gently
from her. and knew 10y the smile In
her big brown eyes that the tears
we're very near.
Father was waiting for me on thu
Iteps Of the Cordova. and when be
marquise and Just one little girl steI
out his face went all a-grin. and be
picked me up and kissed me.
well. well we'll. Where's Itos'
Marie?" he asked. and then told hin
she had stopped at home
wish Won could see fathers roow
in the CordOva. They are ever so nice
with dark walls and gay rugs and biz
substantial looking furniture. There
nm open fireplace and huge old Settl
with no end Of red cushions In his dc'
aud il is here we sit OF an evening
side by side. and talk until bedtime.
After we had gone mp in the elevate
to fathers apartment he turned To m
and asked me about the days pre-
gram.
I'D like TO 80 down to the shops ST
er luncheon" told him promptly.
Good! Jolly! And suppose we 1;
down to one Of the more quiet of tn
big hotels and lunch there" he said.
He always does think Of the yer
incest thingsI big hotel downtown
After luncheon we entered our hal
som again and were driven away
one of the big shops. where, as fatht
put it, one can buy everything from
collar button to a steam launch. RIOS
Marie says men do not like shopping
but, then, Rose Marie doesn't kno
everything in the world. and fath'
and had n beautiful time. "
bought all sorts of gifts for just ever
body, and father didn't look while
selected his present, and I didn't loo
while he selected mine.
Now" ! said. as we came out
the department store. Il want to b'
mothers gift"
"Why, of course" said father hU
riedly What do you want? Whe
do you want to go? III tell the ca
by"
Il haven't decided what to get"
said slowly. What do you thin
Can't you suggest something. father
He shook his head. I'm afraid
can't, Billie" he told me quietly. &c