The Idaho recorder. [volume] (Salmon City, Idaho) 1886-1927, 1921-12-23

Cheer up, cousin He doesn't know
about the tree yet. Maybe he. too. can
be induced to accept your Christmas
hospitality, since you are keeping open
house."
Vesta smiled wanly, as she repien-
ished the fire. tossing onto the Goals
a handful of phosphorescent powder,
the colors of which flashed up instant
ly, Illuminating the tree with won
derful iridescent light. A long silence
followed.
High priestess OF the sacred fire."
began Phil gently, fairy godmother, or
whatever thou art. hear the crunch
ing of heavy footsteps on your gravel
path Shall | intercept the gentleman.
and spare thy fathers wrathT'
'Oh, do" begged she. This Christ
mas of ours is getting rather interest
Ing, isn't it?' she added with u forced
laugh.
Told you So One can expect any
thing now" he prophesied as he tip
toed to the door and swung it open.
Il owe you an apology, for coming at
this hour. but you can understand my
anxiety, | am sure" began the caller
At the sound Of the deep, manly
voice Vesta swayed like a lily on a tall.
slender stalk. There was blur before
her eyes. and the sound of distant mu-
sic in her ears. 1t was the carolers
of course, for she had always prided
herself that she was not one of the
fainting kind.
Sweetheart Vesta!' came far
away voice. Beloved Open your
eyes. Look at me-" he added compell-
ingly.
John, :" whispered she, unbeleving-
~, John :" world of longing in the
name. Suddenly she remembered, and
drawing herself up proudly she led the
way to the spare room. 81 forgot :.
you came to get your babies. They
are in there" she commenced DULY.
Not anticipating your arrival. we
trimmed Christmas tree for them"
THAT was just like you, Sweetheart
Vesta," he said tenderly, linking her
arm In his, but it happens they are
not my babies They belong to my
brother Luke. who died in France.
Their mother died when they were
born. l was on my way with them to
spend the holidays with their GRANDPA
Their and my sister Elsie in New
Haven"
ION :" Vesta's laugh rip
pied out like a Christmas chime. "Oh
hn;
Bulge and Teddy, that they were on
their way to heaven to see grandpa
and Aunt Elsie in new heaven and
they talked about Daddy John" But
her voice was muffled on the shoulder
nearest her. Phil had discreetly with
drawn.
Their names are Helen and john"
he managed to say betimes. land a
funny little pair they are. They have
Insisted on calling themselves Bulge
and Teddy. 1t is a childish fancy
from which we have been unable to
shake them.'
In the morning when the colonel and
Mrs. Drake came downstairs they were
met with a vociferous, Merry 'Tis-
mus. ganpa. Merry 'Tismus, gamma"
whats that! What's that"
stormed the colonel as they Rugged his
legs and begged him to play ride
Cock Horse" That will. you young
rascals," he began, but it seems to
me it's time for my daughter to make
explanations. Ladies don't generally
acquire full-grown family over
night!' he bantered
With the exception of the most i'm
poi1ant item Vesta omitted no detail
of the previous evenings experience.
BE still, You young rascals /" blus-
tered the colonel. II can't even hear
myself think" he said. pretending to
be very angry and pounding on the