The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1918-12-20

happy with Ieft-overs was the problem.
Then Judith remembered that years
ago she had been the recipient OF a
stamp book which she had not used.
She wrote her father for 1t, and then
invested in some mixed stamps for
Ralph to make a beginning with. A
few new puzzles and toys from the
ten-cent store made goodly array OF
bright things for Tommy, who was the
youngest child.
"Now for the dinner" said Judith.
Lets not try to have the usual Christ
mas, dinner, but think up something
different"
IT did so want to ask Mr.. and Mrs.
Lambert" sighed Anne. 'They came
from England several years ago, and
are so alone at Christmas time. I had
hoped to have them, but Of course I
cannot do it this year."
"That gives me the very idea, Anne.
Well invite them and surprise them
with regular English dinner-roast
beef, Yorkshire pudding and gravy,
and have roly-poly pudding for des-
sert."
The days flew by with the sisters as
busy as bees. Anne was never happier
in all her life. She had not time for
repining, and found that by simply
making the best of everything she had
no real troubles at all. Henry, too,
caught the spirit Of hope, and remark:
ed to his wife:
'Tt won't be long until we have made
up for lost time, and I like my new
position better than the old one, be-
cause it has more Of future to it."
The Lamberts were delighted with
the invitation, as they were expect
ing a lonely day. far away from Merrie
England. ''.
One day, when Judith came in from
shopping. Anne met her with the news:
"a nephew, John Leigh, has surpris-
ed the Lamberts. BE has seen service
in France, and is sent here by the
British government on mission to
Washington. He has q weeks vaca.
ton and has come to spend 1t with
them. insisted that he come to our
Christmas dinner, and they are all
going to call tonight"
"How interesting" exclaimed Ju-
dith. perhaps he can advise me about
my Red Cross work"
Everyone was delighted to meet the
handsome young soldier and eager to
hear stories Of "over there" from one
who knew. John became great help
to Judith with her plans for the chill
dren's Christmas and her Red Cross
work. In fact, he thought Of so many
things that he came to the Midgely's
at least once a day and every evening.
He trimmed the tree while Judith
made the simple things to adorn It.
One evening Mrs. Midgely remarked
to her husband: IT never saw young
man so interested in children"
He looked up from his paper in
amused surprise. "My dear, do you
really think he is interested only in
the children?"
"John, you don't mean Judith"
certainly. 1t has been evident from
the first"
Christmas arrived-a glorious day.
with snow on the ground. The chill
dren had hung up their stockings. Into
the bottom of each had been placed the
bright new cap and mittens, and gay
bag of candy on top, while the other
gifts were grouped about the tree.
After the successful dinner was
eaten they spent the evening in sing
ing carols. John had good tenor voice
and Judith accompanied him on the
piano. Then. he sang military songs
he had learned in the trenches.
The guests took their departure,
vowing it the happiest Christmas Of
all. Mrs. Midgely turned to her sister.
"Only think, Judith, I was afraid
you would have dull time. The chill
dren have missed nothing, and you
have been an angel of mercy"
Happiness has nothing to do with
the possession Of things" smiled Ju-
dith; ut is all state Of mind. And
John and I will have something to tell
you tomorrow, when he leaves for
the front"
::..s Lay.
'I presume you had q great time
Christmas, Willie"
"No. I didn't have so much fun
Christmas day, but I did the day at
ter"
"Were you sick on Christmas"
"Nope. But. you see the day after
Christmas pa had to 60 to work and
I got i chance to play with all my
toys then"