The daily Alaskan., 1915-01-11

This was. Indeed, q disappointment. The mother wiped away tear, then began pacing back and forth before the fire till there was a ring at the dOorbcll and her husband was ushered Into the room. He bowed deferential- ly, but the wife did not return his sa- lute. He took seat by the fire, and she sat down as far from him as pos. sible. Neither spoke till the clock struck 5. when the husband remarked:
 "Frank said we were to be punctual. He is going to be late himself.'
 He should be ashamed to bring us together here, of all places, on Christ. mas eve"
 "Perhnps he did il for my benefit Being a bachelor. he doubtless under stands that club is no place for man at Christmas time"
 "One w0Hid suppose that this home. into which you brought me a happy bride, would be the last place you would wish to come on Christmas eve, especially since you broke the prom. lses you then made"
 "I didn't break any promises. It was simply your inordinate Jealousy that rendered life unbearable This separation has been all your fault"
 Not at all: it has been yours. But we have not met for recriminatiOn.'
 You are right. For my part, l am content to await Franks corning and then have the whole affair over with forever"
 Yes, forever"
 He drew newspaper from his poCk- ct and began to read She took up a book. Several minutes of silence pass ed, when tue maid appeared and said:
 "Please, ma'am, Mrs. Albright has just had q telephone from Mir. Frank to say that he cant come for half an hour. He says that to pass the time you may both see the children, if you like"
 I'll 20 to them at ouce," said Edith.
 MT. Frank said that they were to be brought in here.'
 There was no need for further dls- cussion. for a racket was heard on the landing above. and four youngsters, the oldest a boy of eleven. the young est girl of four, came tumblng downstairs with shouts and whoops, and. rushing into the room, the boys jumped into their mothers arms, the  girls into their fathers.
 "Oh. mamma! We're so glad you've come back for Christmas"
 "Oh. papa! We're 50 glad you've come back for ChriStmas~
 And were so glad you're not going away any more too"
 "WhO told you thatT" asked the ia ther
 Uncle Frank"'
 By this time the children, In order that they might Caress both parents at once. had drawn them so near together that father, mother, boys and girls were mingled in q single group.
 What have you got for me for Christmas. mamma"
 What have you got for ne for Christmas, papa:'
 "I want d hUbbyhOrse"
 CT want q drum!
 "I want q doll with wax head and light. curly haif and eyes that close when she goes to sleep"
 These few requests do not express the din that greeted the parents. They are merely given to enable the reader to form some idea of that din.
 The father and mother gave each other a meaning look.
 "Edith," said the former, this IS Franks doing He has doubtless sur. missed that have learned that women who don't care snap of their fingers for me are a mighty poor substitute for this"
 And you're going to stay with us for Christmas always? Say yes, mann ma Say yes. papa
 There was ring at the doorbelL
 A pained expression returned to the faces of the husband and the wife. Frank was coming with the papers they were to sign. When he came in he stood at the doorway looking into the room at the scene before him. Father and mother were in the center, the children CrOwding around them.
 Prank, you rascal" said Luther, this is your doing."
 Well. If it is I never did better job"
 "It all came true, Uncle Frank, didn't itp'
 "What came true, dearT asked the mother.
 "Why, Uncle Frank told us that if We could wait till Christmas be prom. ised that we should have yoH both home again to stay ever so long"
 "Uncle Frank is right, sweetheart" |" said the father. Our being away from you so long is all papa's fault, and be won't ever do so any more. He prom. ises his little boys and girls that" This statement was received with a clapping of hands and a shower Of kisses for papa. each child struggling