Evening star., 1933-12-24

E HAD finished carving the turkey In
nix the crowded dining room OF the old
" ::-::: =: T.:
translated 1t for him. He took It TO
mean "vision" He loved the old dining room,
though, like the rest of the house. it followed
no one style Of furnishing, but served as the
affectionate museum Of his consecutive entntBl-
asns. Some Of the china had come from
Europe-gifts to Priscilla in his expansive days
when the pocketbook was full. Bits OF jade
and ivory from the East cluttered the side
boards and the cabinets. Priscilla called them
dust catche1.. and would have moved them out.
Under the blanket admiration which he kept
for his miscellaneous past
rs everybocy's plate fun2" he asked. resting
his fists ON the tablecloth with the carving knife
and fork upright
"Everybodys but yours. Uncla SAM" said
Irene. There you have left yourself none Of
the white meat!,.
Don't want IT," he answered cheerfuny, help
ing himself with his fingers to a drumstick.
SAINT" exclaimed Priscilla
YES my dear!" He took bite out Of the
Irumstick before putting it on his plate.
"Childrens' said Priscilla, "pay attention
TO your uncle! His manners grow worse every
year."
~HEY glanced at him to see where the
III depravity showed. He seemed only . lit
~ tie older than last Christmas, o little
thinner. perhaps; his eyebrows little bushier,
that shayen upper lip Of his q bit hrmer and
in his beard few more gray hairs. But his
eyes twinkled as Of old. Or did they glitter?
George and Irene had often debated that ques-
tion. Irene said they twinkled and were kind.
George said they glittered and were like steel
Irene was sitting at his right hand, Mary
uyf1rUe t,z t1oA k>f~
against Priscilla's wish, moving by what secret
ties she belonged to him. Her dark beauty,
maturing and sobering now, made him think
CT her mother. The nephews and nieces had
been coming to this house-how many years!
Next to Irene sat George, Johns SON. He
was doing well in business. and he began to
look like his father bit square in the jaw.
self-possessed and entirely free from SELF
criticism. A pleasant youth, precise and
courteous IN his speech.
At the end of the table sa. Priscilla, sin
pretty, but stil trying to disguise the fact. Her
hatr, was parted and drawn back tight. Her
black silk gown, her best dress completely
covered hT person which time had made
volumin0us. She wore white ruching around
her neck and vrists. and . golden chain
drooped upon her bosom with a small cross
at the end Of it.
Next Priscilla, at her right, sat Rafael Or
lando's boy, the most obviously charming Of the
nephews and nieces- -dark-eyed and dark
haired, quick to smile, a grand talker and
fattering listener. He was Priscilla's favorite,
but she always said he had his charm from
complimenting one OF Sans family.
Last there was Gretchen, Fritzs daughter, at
SANS left-very blond and buxom, with sweet
blue eyes. She looked docile but wasn't.
called her pig-headed. She adored George.
They quarreled constantly.
Maggie, the cook, passed the turnips and
the mashed potatoes and the cranberries.
This Is something hkel" said Sam. "Tve
suffered both kinds Of hunger until / an al
most furnished"
His wife stared at him In reproach. WHY,
saml I had dinner promptly when you told
me tol"
petite. do Jour"
Just nsten to hin, children! I nke thasl
He d..dled there In the Mhrary Gossipdng, tn
-ei<t
IL KR husband smiled slowly up one side Of
III his face. He was 7whittling turkey on
~ the bone - he spoke. "That was the
other kind Of hunger. was standing
under the naistletoe waiting for something to
''Uncle saml" Irene jumped up and Kissed
him.
George. Gretchen and Rafael ehorused, q of
Old. "'Favortte che-ildls
Priscilla elevated the conversation. do YOU
hear from your mother, Rafael?' .2ssss
"Yes, she's fine. She always sends love-"
Priscilla looked cheerful. but she permitted
herself sigh "she must miss you It = .
little on my conscience much Is want you
here for Christmas. ] suppose you are home
sick, too. poor boyl"
George and Gretchen grinned at him. .-Tney
couldn't drive you home, could they, Rafael7