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Show Tn TUB FEOVO POST Pago Three 1 PRIZE CHRISTMAS STORY IDA" STEWART: PE AY . r i ' honey-bee-s . r . and women. -- . to small western git y fit was. targe, enough Though only a -- boast of Society urittcn-withAhbig S,and Ahtf'dainty M rs. Evelyn May was the acknowledged leadet of, that charmed cir-cl-e An enthusiastic , prominent in betterment leashe also was hostess at more bridge teas and parties than gues, in the community 7 Two days before Christmas any other-lada peep into the library of her handsome residence discovered -- her assiduously attending to her clubmd social" correspondence. With an air of haste arid importance, and a pucker, of seriousness on the pretty mouth, she semed as busy and useful club-wom- 1 an , t3 as a honey-be- e. "7 : - , However;. women are not exactly like bees; if the guazy winged insect is huming about, we know for sure she is gathering honey, but the buzzing'of some women needs to be examined before we can decide whether they are collecting real sweets' for the hunger of man or merely making a noise.. . Now, to de- -' termine this mighty question a prying, little Sprite, in Fate's service, was sent this very morning to apply a few tests to the ' , Charming Mrs. May. u, Armed with measuring tapesfscales; thermometers, arid s, the tiny fellow slipped through the key-hol- e of the e door 'his work at once. His fairy-likand began prolibrary n portions arid native stealth permitted him to poke about and he first availed himself of the opportunity of reading her invitations, notes, and letters. Being unable to find among them that for which he was looking, he next adjusted a wonder fuT instrument of his Master's which registered the value of the lady's11 influence and her general attitude toward life. Well, well," fussed the Sprite, coughing like an honest country doctor tcho cannot think of a correct diagnosis, "I do 'not seem to find any indications of the Christmas Spirit, a very necessary for a real woman to have this time of year; but I shall not decide hastily. 1 will call in a few of her fellowmen to aid me in my judgment. Jumping lightly upon the top of the book shelves he took a wireless telephone frqm his pocket, called up several numbers gave brief instructions to each, and theri doubting up with his legs crossed and his chin in his hands, he settled himself to await developments. ' , spif-glasse- un-see- The beautiful lady all this time was unsuspectingly scribbling away, but now she was interrupted by the house-mai- d : who announced, 'tburfriFdmTed'al the door.yr. r By whom t" asked the annoyed mistressT Peddler, Christmas AiOoksforChlidren.' Welt I have no children'- I know," admitted the maid, "but I a," here she lowered her voice while her face showed a kindly sympathy, "it's the widow Cole who has such a hard time. She thought per-- , haps you'd like to buy some for some poor child," " ' The waiting Sprite sat up alert, smiling avAblinking apwhom, he could plainly see, longed provingly at the house-maito buy a book for the widow's sake, and.wbuld have done so had she not already planned her last cent for Christmas cheer. He leaned towards the mistress with an encouraging gesture. Pshaw- !- He dropped back and doubled up again. She had turned to her desk and was saying, , . Hum! does she think I have time to go about making personal presents to young ones when I'm so busy I don't know . which way to stirf" , . The girl vanished instantly; the irritating blister of a peddler was off and the lady plunged deep into her arduous duties again. While the Sprite, cross and disconsolate, sat wishing something betterwould "turn up," he heard the door-bell.- It was the clergyman this time; when he was brought into the library, Mrs. May listened politely to his talk though' she fretted inwardly at the loss of time, " Christmas is a great day for the Church, spiilled the Christmas is a great day for the Church," smiled the hardly doubt the divinity of Christs mission upon noting. the beautiful change it brings about in our hearts when we really enter into the spirit and letter of His message as we do at Christmas time. Would that we could live the Peace and Good-Wi- ll of Christianity the year round. However, since we cannot, or do not, it is cheering and uplifting to make the most of it through the Christmas-tidt This year, we are going to all can mingle as brothers and Social which in Church have a sisters and where the unfortunate can really feel the warmth " d, , e, -- of the helping-han- d of their more favored fellow-tne- n .. Those who have plenty are happily looking forward to the good they can do there; while the needy are anticipating it with such eag-- , emesr that i Hsarcal ;joy to go about in their behalf.T'MrsTZ May, we would be glad to have you with us." 7 The. Sprite on the book-she- lf , effected by the sincerity and" humanity of the good churchman was full of hope that the lady would now be touchedand show some signs of the Christmas 7 Spirit; he listened anxiously, he her heard at "Really" say last, it will be impossible for me to be with you as I have other engagements. Besides," this" with; graciouscondescension,"Tam not much of a church member; though," virtuously, "I always donate my means to the cause." 7 7 her refusal of his invitation to help in the spirit Regretting his of project, but grateful for her check because of his flock, the visitor departed wishing her a merry;, merry Christmas. Huddled up and frowning, Fdies hired man was making a few notes when another caller entered. It was the President of the Orphan's Home Board of Directors. This praise-worth- y institution teas the first of its kind in the city, and, though boasting only a dozen or so inmates, it was looked upon with great pride by its founders. The hustling Jlfrs. May occupied the position of first Vice President in this worthy charity, she now sought to decide if something should be done for the Orphan Christ mas. The elf of the shelf was all ears, surely this time but, alas, Mrs. May said distinctly, "For goodness sake, no! we cannot think of doing anything. I have neither time nor strength. I must spend all day tomorrow shopping, as I always have to hunt the town down for suitable presents for my friends. They have so many beautiful things I cannot offer them gifts that are not unique and elegant. Now, V propose we each, make a donation to the Home and let the matron use it to suit herself." "Good idea," said the President, " only the matron may not use it altogether for the cheer of the orphans "but if we give the ".True, admitted the money our conscience is clear." The business meeting ended ff r tt, "t T -- Vice-Preside- (Continued on page 6) 'V You are cordially invited to call and look over our magnificent line of Christmas Goods, whether you come to buy or not. We are showing the largest and best assortment of Holiday Goods particularly desirable for giftsto gentlemen, ever shown here. Christmas - r How "Merry Christmas! jte would like. to. say it to you- - What to Get for Him -- . cannot must take words These printed the place of the cheery spoken Christmas is the greeting. season when ice are closest to our friends, for with each remembrance we receive or send some thoughts that form a veritable web of memories and god wishes which enmesh you and I, and your friends, and my friends, and our friends' friends until the whole world is one, in the joy of the Christmas season. . With best wishes for your ,and prosperity happiness through the next year and all the other years , of your life again ive say, "Merry Christmas 1" person,JbuL--- we r THE GREAT ANNUAL RIDDLE Greeting: i;!;rr s Is Most Easily Solved at this Store We have spent days and days preparing, selecting, buying and getting ready to present to you this great stock of Things That Men Like Best, and now that everything is ready, it is with a" feeling of pardonable pride that we ask you to come and see the result of all this effortwe haveput forth to present a line of Holiday Goods for men thatwouIdexcel.inexterisiveness and --- - distinctiveness any that has ever been shown in this city. - - - - . Dont you think you had better get the benefit of all this, by coming here to buy Christmas gifts for your gentlemen relatives and friends. - - USEFUL PRESENTS -- They are Most Highly Appreciated ' The things you get here for Christinas Gifts will not only btTmost acceptable on Christmas day, bnt a source of use and pleasure for many monthh to come. Your thoughtfulness in getting him something he would have to buy any way, is sure to be ' , i' especially appreciated. ALL CHRISTMAS GOODS ATTRACTIVELY BOXED , - Fletcher & Thomas Go. A 91 ' DO YOUR CHRISTMAS SHOPRING PROVOS QUALITY STORE FOR MEN AND BOYS K4 v. t AW . |