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

young girl thought, as she scanned In
terestedly the faces Of the passers-by.
Her own embodied the universal joy
and anticipation. Christmas is GER
tainly mental lubricator; it oils the
machinery of our hearts and sets all
the wheels of charity and goodwill in
motion. Persons whose hearts have
been frozen throughout the year thaw
instantly at the sight of holly wreaths
and the sound of Christmas bells. II
the Christmas spirit could only last
little longer than a week, the poor at
least would be richer and the rich a
little happier" as she noticed
grabbed old man drop coin into
beggar's outstretched palm. Il really
believe"
Day dreaming of Santa Claus, Miss
Clifton?" asked a voice, and, turning,
she beheld tall, broad-shouldered
type of Apollo walking beside her. do
you know" the young man continued,
warmly cIasping the hand extended to
him, Il have been endeavoring to at
tract your attention for the last five
minutes, but you we're SO occupied
with your reflections that could make
not the slightest impression upon you"
"A convincing proof that there is no
telepathy between us, Mr.. Norwood"
Margaret replied, withdrawing her
hand while beneath his gaze the rose
color deepened in her checks. II have
been thinking not of Santa Claus
exactly, but of the spirit of happiness
around us. 1t is in the very atmos-
phere; one inhales it with the oxygen.
Don't you find it exhilarating?'
very exhilarating-for the time be-
ing" he responded. "But I am afraid
one glance into my dreary, bachelor
apartments will cast me, by the very
laws of contrast, into the lowest
depths of dependency"
What a gloomy frame of mind for
Christmas eve!" she cried. What can
do to dissipate it? But first, since I
see you are remaining in town for the
holiday, let me extend you most cor
dial invitation to dine with papa and
myself. tomorrow"
Which instantly accept with ever
lasting gratitude!" interrupted the
Young man, his face lighting up. "You
have certainly banished my pessimis-
tic attitude, Miss Clifton. I cannot be
gloomy in the face of such prospect"
Rather in the face of the approach
ing snow storm" she corrected, laugh
ingly attempting to catch feathery
c%o1 IN h1~ los ~10
See, the first fakes are falling. I was
beginning to fear the snow fairies
would not smile upon us this year, and
Christmas without their presence Is
only half Christmas"
ut certainly contributes !. to the
Christmas spirit" he agreed.
And we need every aid, do we not?
For, seriously, aside from the feasting
and merrry-making, there seems to be
so little of the true Christmas spirit
nowadays"
What is your definition of the term,
Miss Clifton?' he asked.
WELL" she replied thoughtfully,
charity, suppose, is the first item
real charity, I mean; not the mere Civ
ing of money, but an act of love to-
wards our fellowmen which exacts
some sacrifice on our part
"A form of charity not greatly in
vogue" he interposed.
AT this season." Margaret went on
thoughtfully, II always feel that ]
would like to give to our Saviour some
pledge of my love that has been pur
chased with the coin of self-denial.
But somehow the opportunity never
comes, or, if it does, am deaf to its
voice. The corporal works of mercy,
I fear" she added, "are but so many
words to me, yet would truly like to
meet them in practice as well as in
precept."
Then, meeting Frank. Norwood's
gaze, comprehensive, yet openly admir-
ing Margaret broke off with an en-
barassed laugh. But we are certainly
moralizing this afternoon, are we not?
To change the subject, I suppose you
will attend the Midnight Mass?"
"Of course. And your"
ooh yes, and I am anticipating it
with the greatest pleasure. The West
ern town where, as you know, we lived
until the past year, boosted only a
mere handful of Catholics, and Mass
at midnight was unheard of. So, for
me, it will have the added attraction
of being novelty. But here we are at
home" she added, stopping before a
handsome residence which, even from
the exterior, emanated spirit of cul-
ture and refinement won't you come
in, Mr. Norwood? Papa had business
engagement in another city today, but
l am expecting his return every min
ute"
IT am afraid I must deny myself that
pleasure, Miss Clifton" he said rue
fully. "I have an appointment with a
client at l o'clock, but I will be with
you tomorrow without fail"
! Very well; we dine at three. Until
then, goodbye and merry Christ