The Princeton union., 1922-02-23
Lille !
BY CAROLINE Il. WILSON

o0u0000U000oano
g. 1921. BY Mcclure Newspaper Syndicate.
"Once upon time Christmas was
Christmas It hasn't seemed like 1t
for the last few years. Last year,
you remember, Tillie, father and I
spent it In q 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 filled with his in-laws. Johns
three children were mere babies the
year before, and spent all Christmas
day helping Jennie do the housework.
No, a good old Christmas at home is
a cherished memory Of the past, TIL
lie," finished Mrs. Swain, with sigh.
"Well," said the faithful old maid
Of all work, 1--WE all grow old and
Christmas loses the charm it 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 cof-
fee, few mornings later, Tillie hand
ohv
1T 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 I am! 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.
give up such brilliant career for
u.s." excused mother.
II suppose not" said father,
thoughtfully.
II guess you and Mr.. Swain will
spend Christmas at home this year af-
ter ALL" said Tillie, 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 brilliant
| idea.
It began to snow. "A regular old
timer!" exclaimed mother, in delight
But it's going to be lonesome" warned
Tillie, watching her make the red tulle
candy bags.
"I'll have to put a stop to thel1
quixotic plans for Christmas, some
how" Tillie murmured.
Next morning Tillie mailed three
letters and then did a little private
shopping Of her own.
| Christmas eve Mr.. and Mrs. Swai1
appeared just in time to hang up the
stockings before the roaring fire. Til
lie watched them in silence and ther
hung up another one, gray WOO
one that she had intended for the Rel
Cross. Mother and father were safe
ly tucked in bed. Tillie stole out int
the kitchen and unlocked every doo1
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 til
toes, to the little guest room in th'
attic next to Titles, where the chill
.dren used to put their overnigh
friends.
1T seems just like heaven" father
seem to hear someone singing." JUS
then a full quartet was heard unde
the window, singing "Holy Night
They dressed and came downstairs ii
wonder The first sight that greete
their eyes was gorgeous Christina
tree, although it was hardly yet dawn
Tillie stood by the stockings, beckon
ing to the singers. They trooped Il
and took mother and father in thei
arms. Il was coming as a surprise,
said Anna, drawing Harold forward
But it was Tillie who got the boy
to come. And see my ring-I am &C
ing to spend every Christmas wit
you from now on, for I'm to be mis-
tress Of the Winslow house."
Mother and father were nearly i
tears.
'The three children are your
again." said Tillie.
"Tillie, you are Christmas fairy,
said father, "but let US look at you
stockings, children. want to spin