Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1922-02-08
TILLIE
BY CAROLINE n. WILSON

you remember, lille, fatner ana l
spent it in a New York kitchenette
with Anna. You know when she came
from France she stayed in New York
and continued her nursing there. The
year before we went to Andrews, and
after travelling that distance the house
was filed with his in-laws. Johns
three children were mere babies the
year before, and spent all Christmas
day helping Jennie do the housework.
No, good old Christmas at home is
cherished memory Of the past, TIL
lie," finished Mrs Swain, with sigh.
"Well," said the faithful old maid
Of all work, I'VE all grow old and
Christmas loses the charm 1t had for
us In our childhood"
II suppose SO, but father and I. both
feel it. He never really grew up. Not
one Of his children ever enjoyed
Christmas any more than he did pre-
pairing it for them. He'd like to spend
Christmas at home and have John,
Andrew and Anna, just as they used
to come home from college on their
vacations"
While mother was pouring the COT
fee, few mornings later. Tillie hand
ed her letter from John.
ut is from John, father" said
mother Swain before she had even
opened it. "Of course We'll have to
go, but had hoped to stay at home"
tearing the letter open sharply.
"Why, how sorry 1 ami. The chill
dren are all in quarantine with the
measles No Christmas party there
this year.
The next day a similar letter came
from Andrew.
Sorry mother, but the wife and
children are going to spend Christmas
with her folks in Illinois.
Nothing, not even Christmas card,
was received from Anna
But we could not expect her to
give up such brilliant career for
u.s." excused mother.
II suppose not,"~ said father,
thoughtfully. q
Il guess you and Mr.. Swain will
spend Christmas at home this year af-
ter ALL said Title. with the freedom
Of speech born Of 35 years Of loving
service.
"Well, I'll be glad to-" said mother,
looking hastily at father.
Hang up the stockings just as we
used to do If you'd think you'd enjoy
it, mother I'll buy the train Of cars
and the jews harps. and the jack
knives to fill them. You might dress
doll and make some candy Guess
after the day is over we might drag
in somebody off the street to take
them off our hands" said Mr.. Swain,
thinking he had hit upon a brilliant
idea.
1t began to snow. IA regular old
timerI' exclaimed mother, In delight.
"Eut it's going to be lonesome" warned
Tinle watching her make the red t6lle
candy bags.
'Ill have to put stop to their
Quixotic plans for Christmas, some
how" Tillie murmured.
\ Next morning Tillie mailed three
letters and then did little private
shopping of, her own.
Christmas eve Mr.. and Mrs. Swain
appeared just in time to hang up the
stockings before the roaring fire. Til
lie watched them in silence and then
hung up another one, gray wool
one that she had intended for the Red
Cross. Mother and father We're safe
ly tucked in bed. Nllie stole out into
the kitchen and unlocked every door
that Mr.. Swain had so carefully bolt
ed. Then she went into Johns room,
and Andrews, and Annals and turned
down the sheets. Then softly, on tip
toes, to the little guest room in the
attic next to Titles, where the chill
dren used to put their overnight
friends.
ut seems just like heaven" father.
seem to hear someone singing" Just
then full quartet was heard under
the window, singing Holy Night"
They dressed and came downstairs in
wonder. The first sight that greeted
their eyes was gorgeous Christmas
tIcC, dtlAOuSll IL WhS iuiS SSN va
Tillie stood by the stockings, beckon-
ing to the singers. They trOoped in
and took mother and father in their
arms. II was coming as SURPRISE"
said Anna, drawing Harold forward.
"But it was Tillie who got the boys
to come. And see my ring-I am GO
ing to spend every Christmas with
you from now on, for I'm to be mis-
tress of the Winslow house."
Mother and father were nearly in
tears.
1.-The three children are yours
again." said Tillie.
"Tillie, you are Christmas fairy"
said father, "but let us look at your
stockings, children. want to spin
certain musical top"
up to your old tricks, dad" laughed
John.