The Princeton union., 1921-12-15

|; "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. Comet" 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 colonel's toolchest. Soon a
small but symmetrical tree was laid
low.
$50 far, so good!' breathed Phil
cheerfully, shouldering the embyro
Christmas tree. II declare it's worth
a trip to France. with train off the
track, to have this experience. But
how about Santa Claus rlg?"
"One thing at a time, Phil" gurgled
Vesta in so girltsh voice that the
man was almost startled. Il declare
this tarrying Of the Christmas spirit,
entertaining guests unawares, playing
vestal virgin and being a druid all
in one night is rather exhilarating.
Maybe we'll have real Christmas yet.
Poor dad and mumsey! I'm wonder
ing. :"
|: "One thing at time, Vesta," Knocked
Phil gaily. Il 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 jolt into the Kingdom of
Happiness. I'll sure do my part to
bring this to pass"
|: AS they passed down 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 Vesta's 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 sprig of mistletoe for you,
Miss Vesta, and Merry Christmas to
you," said old Sam, with a sly glance
at Phil.
"Why, I 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
mice. I declare I have little creepy
feelings Of joy all up and down my
spine this minute.''
"Same here!" agreed Phil. "But
you'd better 'douse the glim,' Vesta,
in the language Of the immortal Vic
tor Hugo, Or its chickering's will tell
tales to your august parents. Some
Christmas after all, eh?' he added as
ne tugged the tree up the steps of the
front porch while Vesta held the door
open. All was quiet within, but they
took the precaution to tiptoe noiseless-
ly, and a few seconds later the tree
was set on it's pedestal in the corner
of the living rOOm
isn't it prettily shaped, and how
deliciously spicy it smells in this warm
;room," Vesta bubbled as she shifted
the pungent air.
"Guess Bulge and Teddy will think
so, too," Phil said proudly as he un-
wound yard after yard of tinsel rope,
"Now, where's the menagerie?"
asked Phil dubiously 1--WE didn't
think Of that, did we?"
"Oh-!' exclaimed Vesta, little
red flag flying into either cheek. "Wait
a minute-they're in my room," she
explained, slipping off her shoes and
into the convenient felt slippers. In
her room she paused just long enough
! to light her one bayberry candle before
Johns picture, just as she had done
for ten Christmas eyes, and to make
the same wish. Five minutes later she
reappeared in the living room with
beWildering array of rabbits, camels,
elephants and teddy bears.
"'Pon my word!" began her cousin,
staring at the apparition, "are you a
- - n r.