Fitzgerald leader enterprise and press. (Fitzgerald, Ben Hill County, Ga.) 1921-1964, 1923-12-20

believe his ears. The old mans face
was careworn beyond telling, and Mrs.
James did not lift her eyes from her
mendlng. Allen, in his swift glance at
her saw tear fall from beneath her
glasses--a tear that the brave little
woman wiped away with a corner Of
her apron. But for all her wiplng
there was the spot from 1t on the heel
Of the absent Rosamond's gray silk
stocking at that minute so carefully
being darned.
Mr.. James, In spite of his dlsappoint-
ed eyes, was rather proud In his next
remark: "You see there are so many
parties and dances and things going on
in the city! Rosamond hates to miss
so many parties as she would miss IL
she came home this vacation. Then
the train fares quite lot. She needs
1t for clothes. Rosamond will have
pretty duds."
When Allen got out into the snowy
street he clenched his hands. Eyes,
Rosamond Will have pretty clothes and
parties and a secretary's Job In the
cityl She will have everything fine
and grand that we country people new
er even thought Of. But, Allen Ford,
she's going to have Christmas at home
with her people, She is-no matter
whatl" He Kissed this through shut
teeth.
Allen Ford had never looked more
determined about anything before IN
oil his life, and Allen Ford was famous
in his community for being IN extraor-
dinarlly determined young man. He
was also a proud young man. But
now for once, he had quite forgotten
his famous pride. He hadn't even
tucked 1t down in his pocket.
And that night, Christmas eve, Rosa
mond was sitting alone in her rented
room. 1t was In the very top of a big
rooming house, cold and dreary. The
oil stove had most unpleasant smell,
and the gas Jet leaked, too. Still she
had TO have light and heatl So there
you are.
Rosamond was not dressing for
party, although It was almost party
time-for those who go to parties.
No. she was sitting In her bathrobe
for greater warmth, staring at three
postal cards spread before her on her
bed, She was staring towards them
rather than at them, however, for her
eyes We're too full of tears to see a
thing, am sure, Yes, the pretty, PAM
pered, successful, superior Rosamond
she of the superior name even-was
weeping alone and unattended on
Christmas eve.
Let US creep nearer and read what
Is written on those cards. She will
never see us.
The first one Is q picture of coun-
try road near Rosamond's village. Un-
der It, In an angular, old-fashioned
female hand is carefully indlted:
"Dear Rose, do think you are too
silly to so away and leave that clever
rich young farmer when everybody
knew he was crazy about you. He
was soon consoled. Minnie Richards
is going with him now. If you have
aha eNAANN NbN A NAlLlG EIIdlEIl nome
and get him back. Your loving aunt,
Susan"
Postal card number two--A picture
81 the village hotel:
Darling Rosamond. You sure do
sound happy What a life Wish I'd
gone to business college. But since /
didn't guess III have to be content
with spelling bees, cornhuskings and
church socials. And big, red-headed
Alien Ford win have to do me instead
OF some city fellow Aliens fun.
though. I'm only joking about the city
fellow. Your best friend, Minnie"
There was one more card. No pic
ture al ADJUST 8 common postal. and
scrawled across It in a bold, masculine
hand:
Hello, Rosie Coming home for
Christmas2 we hope SO. AS ever,