St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1921-12-17

asked the little girl anxlously.
"Who knows?' ventured Phil eau
tiously.
But this request was too much for
Vesta, who had already hurried away
toward the attic and certain copper
bound trunk, full Of small garments.
'.Is that you, Vesta?" called her IA
theirs querulous voice.
"Yes dad"
aren't you In bed yet?' he NUT
tered.
"I'm going soon, DEAR" she lied
blushingly, knowing full well that the
two hours ahead would be busy ones.
Assisted by Phil she managed to get
two wobbly heads and two pair Of
small limp arms and legs into the
sleeping garments, for the sandman
had already claimed them.
II lit fire in the spare room, Phil /;
we'll just carry them in there. Do be
quiet, for dad mustn't know until morn
ing" she whispered.
1.-THE old reprobate >. :. !" said
Phil under his breath.
Vesta glanced at him reproach-
fully as he lifted the chubby figure Of
the little girl in his arms, while she
carried the little boy. Shortly after
ward Bulge and Teddy were tucked
away between warm blankets in the big
four poster in the spare room.
Back before the fireplace Vesta and
Phil gazed blankly at each other.
Didn't tell you SOP" volunteered
the latter cheerfully. Didn't I tell
you that you're the goddess Of the
hearth? That the Christmas spirit
would come your way tonight? That
you were born to be the mother Of
little children?" he Intercepted In
staccato tones.
"But how are we to live up to our
promises?' she laughed, ignoring his
comments. 1.-THE House Of Drake Is
embarrassed by its shower Of bless
ings. l have no doubt that we are
entertaining angels unawares, but now
that you have succeeded in inducing
the Christmas spirit to larry why not
try your magic On Santa Claus and bid
him bring us tree?"
Il lose no time in accepting the COM
mission. Behold in me an impromptu
Santa Claus, ready to do the bidding
Of the vestal virgin. Now for some
druid to lead the way to a forest Of
young balsams."
"At your service!' laughed Vesta
gaily. 1T is but eight O'clock" she
said, glancing at the old banjo clock
over the mantel. II have an inspira-
ton. Gomez she commanded, snatch
ing her tam-o' -shanter and coat from
the halltree, at the same time handing
Phil his own coat and hat Five min
utes later they were on their way
across lots to the balsam grove on the
hillside, armed with the sharpest ak
in the colonels 'toolchest. Soon a
small but symmetrical tree was laid
low
$50 far, so goodl" breathed Phil
cheerfully, shouldering the embyro
Christmas tree. II declare it's worth
a trip to France, with train of the
track, to have this experience. But
how about Santa Claus rig?"
Zone thing at a time, PHIL" gurgled
Vesta in so girlish voice that the
man was almost startled. II declare
this tarrying of the Christmas spirit,
entertaining guests unawares, playing
vestal virgin and being druid all
in one night Is rather exhilarating.
Maybe we'll have real Christmas yet.
Poor dad and mumsey! I'm wonder
ing.
zone thing at time, Vesta," Knocked
Phil gaily. II prophesy other sur
-prises. When the Christmas spirit Is
abroad in the land no telling what mir
acle may happen. Even Uncle Henry
may get a jolt into the Kingdom Of
Happiness. I'll sure do my part to
bring this to pass"
AS they passed dozn the hillside to
the quiet street, now carpeted with
snow, they heard sound Of sleigh
bells. Soon happy voices were CAROL
ing.
"Silent Night! Holy Night" they
sang.
The Christmas tree and holly man
was still dispensing his wares when
they at last reached the market, and
soon Vestas arms were laden with
shining holly wreaths in which many
red berries cleaned, while Phil with
his balsam and other packages looked
like an animated Christmas tree.
"Here's a sprig Of mistletoe for you,
Miss Vesta, and Merry Christmas to
you," said old Sam, with sly glance
at Phil.
"Why, begin to feel like a little
girl again." cried vesta happily, as
they trudged along through the snow
toward home. II never knew before
that the Christmas spirit could be SO
nice. I declare l have little creepy
feelings Of Joy all up and down my
spine this minute"
"Same herer' agreed Phil. .'But
you'd better 'douse the glim,' Vesta,
In the language Of the immortal Vic
tor Hugo, Or it's chickering's will tell
tales to your august parents. Some
Christmas after all, eh?" he added as
he tugged the tree up the steps Of the
front porch while Vesta held the deor
open, All was quiet within, but they
took the precaution to tiptoe noiseless-
", and few seconds later the tree
was set on its pedestal in the corner
of the living room.