Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1913-12-09
! The Daily Story

copyrighted. Literary Bureau.

up dere now fixin' en-. I'm all OF n
heap. Josie; my stummick's weak"
Aunt 10 pushed a brown pitcher full
of cider toward her excited spouse.
Take some of dat cider. Peter. and
cam yo'self. If what yo say is true
den Massa Roger done lose his haid.
He's crazy, crazy as a LOOM
Up in the drawing room the florist
and his assistant were working rapid
~, transforming the stif apartment
into bower OF Greenery with ropes Of
evergreen and holly and with festoous
about the pictures and doors ard
wreaths gay with holly in every win
dow. From room to room they went.
not forgetting the library and the big
hall. When the men had gone the
servants formed an awestricken group
in the dining room. which breathed the
atmosphere OF Christmas from chande-
liers TO roomy fireplace.
Pore Massa Roger! He's mad as
halter" was the general conclusion as
they went about their tasks.
Roger Burdick scarcely recognized
himself as he whirled in a taSicab
from one shop to another, each time
emerging with an armful of packages
which he put in his cab to start afresh
in another direction.
Almost before he knew It the grave
student, the man who had forgotten
Christmas, had caught the spirit Of the
Christmas crowd of shoppers. He eN-
changed laughing glances with other
men who We're as heavily laden as
himself. He whistled cheerily ms he
went to and fro.
Once he met Hodges the curator Of
the museum. and that withered |
ancient gentleman was conveying
eager girls and boy through the V
department OF one of the shops.
MY grandchildren" smiled Hodges.
and Burdick, who had never given
thought whether the curator was mar
ried or single or otherwise than a
walking bundle OF useful information.
smiled back and gave a hearty Christ
mas greeting
1t was while he was puzZling his
brain over the choice of an apron for
Sukey. the housemaid. that he heard n
low. rich note of laughter at his elbow.
He turned and saw Doris Allen.
stately and more beautiful than the
promise of her early girlhood when
he had known her. She had lived
abroad for many years with n married
sister, and they had never met since
that fateful Christmas day so many
years ago.
Roger Burdick" Doris held out a
little gloved hand. and 1t was imme-
diately lost in Rogers large grasp.
Isn't Christmas the very best season
OF all? It brings out old friends who
appear to be buried the greater part OF
the year"
81 am just beginning to learn the
real blessings of Christmas" said Rog-
er. suddenly feeling very young.
what are you trying to buy-an
apron?" smiled Doris.
Roger nodded. "For Sukey. my
Which do you like best.
Doris. this fancy one with the pink
bows or the plain one|
I'm sure Sukey would like the pink
bows" replied Doris seriously. rs
Uncle Peter still with you, and Aunt
Jo?"
Yes. You know my fathers serv-
ants remained with me. I'm doing
some Christmas shopping for them.
There isn't any one else to make
Christmas for" He said It quite prac-
tically while he was paying the sales
woman for his purchases.
When he turned around the first
thing he saw was the beautiful left
hand OF Doris resting on the counter.
She had removed the glove, and on
the little finger there shone a lovely
sapphire ring, its sole adornment.
Doris" he said softly under cover
IF the Christmas clamor about them
Doris. have you ever regretted that
you were not kinder to me that Christ
mas day long agoF'
Her beautiful hazel eyes were lifted
% his for brief instant and fell be
heath the ardor OF his glance.
Roger. I've been mighty sorry that
you were not more persist
,ntr' she admitted. You know 1 was
willful girl and
That's enough, darling" whispered
Roger. Come with me and help me
,eep Christmas tomorrow"
II will come to your Christmas tree"
,vaded Doris Now my friends are
Waiting for me. and must co." And
he vanished as quickly as she had ap.
'ea red.
ut am de wonderfulest Christmas
lis house has ever seem cried Aunt
o as they all gathered about the bril-
antly lighted tree the next day. MY
ants overhowin' wild dis jubilashun.'
he ended. wiping the tears from her
yes at sight Of Rogers happiness.
And so Is mine, Aunt Jo." said
soger as he took Doris by the hand
nd led her forward This has been
he happiest Christmas / have ever
nown. First forgot it was Christ
las: then you. Aunt 10. made me re-
lember IL, and now Miss Allen has
iven herself to me for Christmas
1T. I shall never forget itr'
"Amen," said Uncle Peter solemniy.