Norwich bulletin., 1917-12-27
THE SNOWBOUND CHRISTMAS

story and also Hilda's.
 The neighbor, MT. Hamnit, replied: we are sorry for you, and Hilda can make you comfortable until you can return to your home." Then he con- tinued: Yes, it is a sad case" and re- told the childrens story. Their mother to care for them Then their father as called in the draft. For some req son he was not exempted, maybe be- cause he was such a healthy, capable looking man. The children were to go with auntie to live with grandma. but he put off their going, hoping he would not be wanted until after Christmas. He very much wanted them to spend that day in their own home, but a week ago he was notified to go to camp. The message had been missent, so he had to go in two hours after receiving the word.
 Two days after auntie was sent for because grandma had fallen and hurt herself. and my wife or some one of my family has been with the children until today.
 '.Auntie was to return Christmas eve to see Santa and eat Christmas din- ner; then in the afternoon take them home to live with her; but this storm and also my wife and our kiddies. Their father left gifts; so did Auntie Nell. Everything was in read mess to celebrate Christmas as soon
 
 their plans could not be carried out so my wife planned with auntie to cring our tree and dinner over here and make the evening and Christmas day as happy and merry as possible for these little ones.
 My wife is putting the finishing touches to both dinner and gifts, so came over in her place, and if possible shall go home for my family and the flxings in the morning"
 6e,r nl>f n14s, .ol Clara. Even if it is pleasant tomor- row we will stay and help you, and shall be giving ourselves pleasure in making these darlings merry"
 Baby Barbara awoke On perceivins strangers, she was about to cry, but in a moment held out her arms and as Clara kissed her little rosebud lips the little one cried Be % Tanta Caus p
 Soon she fell asleep and all retired for the night.
 The sun shone the next morning and although the snow continued to crift, MT. Hammil with the help of his horses and snow blow soon carried out the arranged plans, and also to take ous toys which he purchased made the children happy for months.
 While the older ones were trimming the tree and the neighoors' children were playing and looking around, .Hn- da and Baby Barbara were standing in the hall looking at the big clock and counting the hours before Santa would come and hoping Aunties Nell would get home first; and indeed she did Such a chatter and such a good time as they had, yet papa was not forgot ten, for both Barbara and Hlda asked Santa before he left to go and see papa and give him something, and each took some oranges and a box of candy that Santa had given them to give him and say ETilda and Baby sent them.
 After while the children and also the older ones were glad to go to bed: but were wakened early by cries from first one child and then another: Merry Christmast" Merry Christ mas!" Even the children helped to prepare dinner, making it all the sweeter, and such a dinner, many e1- tras being supplied by MT. Wa1ton which were appreciated by the older ones as we'll as the younger ones = In the afternoon goodbyes were said after Auntie Nell had promised that she and the children would spend sev- eral months with Clara and her fa- ther each year until the war was ovei for MT. Walton had appointed himself guardian over the children until the return of their father.
 So MT. Walton and Clara reopened their house without misgivings for they had something to look forward to and realized as never before that true hap piness is only founds in giving happi- ness to others. DIANA.