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Show GHKEX Christmas, a fat graveyard!" sighed Mrs. Drake gazing wistfully. aonm the shriveled held to the little cemetery on the hillside where two Nona and a dnutrh-restln- g brooding never a green aha y d 1 added, puckering word. her forehead. Vesta was poking the fire to bide ChrlsA "Pshuwl Her mother went no better her embarrassment. to the door. any other "Howdy, Aunt Lucy! greeted a reday, Lucy," voice. fresh, boyish turned the colonel testily, watching Well, of all things. If It Isnt Ihll the effect of hi word through the Drake!" cried she In a muffled voice overhanging curtain of hi bushy eye- lietween the hear hug he proffered brow. Is a surprise, We Th'.s my boy. Hut It doesn't seem at all like were In France." still you thought Christmas, llenry. If you dont innke Just got back, and no place ever presents," faltered his wife. " I can't looked quite ao good to me. My train make It eem right That Nora ami the was delayed down the line, owing to Don't us. with he to are not children a wreck , . . no, no one hurt, but you think we should, let bygones he held for Christmas. I up everybody's bygones and telephone them to come I'd mine with my spend thought just erer? she added timidly. Cranford relation, ao I took Shank's t her thundered Silence husband, mure over hery. Howdy, uncle, and a hla face as white aa his hair from the Christmas! Vesta, you're merry Nora wrath o i his feelings. pent-ubrick to keep the home fires burning In It, made her bed, now let her lie for a fellow," he addded, giving her a She's no daughter of mine to marry klsa on either cheek. a scamp of an artist I see you got some decorations," without a penny id his name. Aa to Vesta proudly, eyflng hi croIx de said the children, they're as dead to me as and a lieutenant guerre, those up on the hillside yonder 1" at that." From her corner by the fireplace "Oh, thats nothing" Testa eyed her father nervously, as Most of us are back for the holiabe stroked the fur of Nebuchadnez smiled the young lieutenant days," aar. Nora's pet cat. How changed he Im of course, happily. was and what had brought It all that 1 couldn't disappointed, home top the great get about - There was no real reason that for my last one was spent In the she could see, except her father's day, and mother was hanking on trenches, tultomncft. Don was nut bad sort, this one; but I wired her I'd be there and he had made Nora a good hus- between now and tomorrow If night band. providing well for her and the had to hike all the way. youve Hope children. Then there was John Den a turkey and all the fixings!" ton. It was just such a night as this gof We surely have!" smiled Vest that he had driven him from the and you shall have the lion's share, bouse. You've Joe Henn to thank for that The young man had made some Come, shake hands with my cousin a raghltig remark about their Joe Hean." Ihll, In politics to which the colonel "IToud to meet an ftarf taken exception. Hot of temper ness soldier, mumbled the old man and bitter of tongue, he had disposed meantime fumbling $t tine matter promptly. John had ambling forward, whiskers. hla with Sorry 1 didn't asked Vesta to decide whether she a boy myself " have would be ruled by love or fear. She the colonel; Zounds!" muttered was but twenty, and to her filial duty be killed off a to he had boy arae fetish. There was no alternn "wishing tlve, she told him. She had never answered one of Ills letters, sad In Hme they had ceased to come. He bad forgotten, of course, and It was wa well for both, as her duty lay to her parents, now entirely alone. Testas fingers trembled as she etn t Protdered the last dainty 'l on the little pink flunnet for newest buby, the one they bad ever seen. The fire was getting low, and she rose and poked the coals until they glowed with new Ufe, thoii heaped the andirons with hickory logs. In a few aioment the faint odor of pungent ood began to filter through the mom, and as It did so Vesta's courage rose. We must hang up our stockings tonight. dears." she began softly. Let's Just play we are little children again. I'm sura Santa Claus Is coming this any. Let us be Joyful together thl year, at least, ftr ft Is so uncertain, yon know. Won't you play I'm your Title glH this Christmas, Daddy!" she ended pleadingly. Don't he a fol, Veta. retorted If youre ever her father sharplygoing to he a woman you should show some sign of It at thirty. AM this nonsense. . , talk about Christina nonsense, I tell you. I ihsinre Im Sick of people sfiending their last bj the Get man-- ' Some patr.ot vou cent to make a show this time of the are, Joe Glad mj two d.ed before the year, and making a bid for pres, nts In Hun- - gt a whack at 'em". exchange fur their own" "Henry" pleaded hi wife, tears Hut the 'joy of giving" welling to tier gray eves. Dioh'v ' began Vesta sharply Saw old Joe Henn Unlay." he went stared won Ihii and nl Joe I n, waging her remarks aside. "And The cclonel had never what do you suppose he lmd the nerve deriu.-'He now to say? Ju-- t till. Im bruising you a like this ni the old day Ice fat turkey tonight. t colonel,' ats flung himself mt of hi chair, and An instant inch as to say, Won't you have my sialke out of the room turn me to heard for back take later present ready they thumping tils wav Mrs. Crake sen follow d when I call? The smart obi codger! Upstairs, Joo Lean iiek hl cue and departed. What did you say, father? I h.'i "Cousin leMa," Phil began sternly Joe you didn't hurt M feelings. well meaning, and loves to do for oth- "I'm very sorry for you. hut at the i gly same time ers. excused Mr. Drake. angry." You know the name of the place "hnt. Ihll, jrfeuse don't 1" she that Is paved with goal Intention of begged. "I know what you would say. Just such tools! snapped the colonel, Hut homecoming heart are happiest. knocking the ashes from hi pipe and I'll never he sorry that I stayed with tilling It with fresh tobacco. "Zounds! dad and niutnsry, for what would they do without me?" how I hate the word Christmas!" It Isn't right for young folks to be The Christ Child's' birthday, daddy! reproached Vesta boldly, heap sacrificed on the altar of old folks alf- d 1- differ-ance- honest-to-goo- d forget-me-no- No-n- 11 - I . - v ro--- e, I . ex-ee- heartily. An will we hare a Tlsmus tree? An a Santa Claus?" Vesta glanced at her cousin helplessly. She was now floundering In deep waters. Sure!" he pledged In hi deep bass voice, Tf you'll go to bed now and get to sleep. You can listen for the rein-- , deers, and perhaps Santa Claua will fill up your stockings and bring you a Christmas tree." "ihll 1" ejaculated Vesta. It Isn't right to disappoint theta." That's all lie waved her asld right, fairy godmother!" And will he brtng our Daddy John?" aked the little girl anxlously.-"Whknows? ventured Ihll cautiously. Hut this request was too much for Vesta, who had already hurried away tow ard the attic and a certain copper-boun- d trunk, full of small garments.. Is that you, Vesta T called her father's querulous voice. Yes. dad." Arent you In bed yet?" he muttered. Pm going soon.' dear," ahe .lied hlushlngly, knowing full ell that the two hours ahead would be busy ones. Assisted by Phil ahe managed to get two wobbly heads and two pair of mall limp anna and legs Into the sleeping garments, for the sandman had already claimed them. I Ilf a fire In the spare room, PhH ; weil Juat carry them In there. Do be quiet, for dad mustnt know until morning, she whispered. 1" said The old reprobate Phil under hts breath. Vesta glanced at him reproachfully as he lifted the chubby figure of the little girl In hla arms, while she carried the little boy. Shortly afterward Budge and Toddy were tucked away between warm blankets In the big In the spare room. Back before the fireplace Vesta and Phil, gazed blankly at each other. Didnt I tell you so?" volunteered Didnt I tell the latter cheerfully. you that youre the goddess "of the hearth? That the Christmas spirit would come your way tonight? That you were born to be the mother of little children? he Interrogated In staccato tones. Hut how are we to live up to our promises T she laughed. Ignoring his comments. The House of Drake Is embarrassed by Its shower of blessings. I bare no doubt that we are entertaining angels unawares, but now that you have succeeded In Inducing the Christmas spirit to tarry, why not try your magic on Santa Claus and bid him bring us a tree? I lose no time In accepting the commission. Behold In me an Impromptu Santa Claus, ready to do the bidding of the vestal virgin. Now for some druid to lead the way to a forest of young balsams. At your service! laughed Vesta It Is but eight oclock, she gaily. said, glancing at the old banjo clock over the mantel. I have an Inspiration. Come ahe commanded, snatchand coat from ing her the haLltree, at the same time handing Phll his own coat and hat. Five minutes later they were on their way across lots to the balsam grove on the hillside, armed with the sharpest ax In the colonel's toolchest. Soon a small but symmetrical tree was laid deliciously spicy It amelia in he sniffed room." Vesta bubbled a the pungent air. Guess Budge and Toddy will think so. too." Phil said proudly as be unwound yard after yard of tinsel rope. where's the menagerie Now. "We didnt asked Phil dubiously. think of that, did we?" Oh 1" exclaimed Veta, a little red flag flying into either cheek. Walt a minute theyre In my morn." she explained, slipping off her shoes and Into the convenient felt sljppers. In her room she paused Just long enough to light her one bay berry candle before John's picture. Just as she had done for ten Christmas eves, and to make the same wish. Five minutes later ahe reappeared In the living room with a bewildering array of rabbits, camels, elephants and teddy bears. " Ton my word 1" began her cousin, staring at the apparition, "are you a m r four-poste- Sorry I Didn't Hava a Boy Myaalf." coats, to which clung great Bakes Of snow. "Why, It must be snowing, after Im so glad all," she cried happilly. for, as mumsey says, I never did like a green Christmas." ; It sure la snowing" announced phll, opening the door and gazing Into the night, Vesta peered over his shoulder to the bank of clouds rolling In from the east with little spits and flurries of snow. Just then the door banged shut "What that?" demanded the colonel from the head of the stairs. Just tie wind, daddy. It blew the door shut, said Vesta soothingly, placing her lips on her fingers with an . . , I" to admonishing Ihll. Guess Its the Christmas spirit trying t get In, Uncle Henry," said the youtg lieutenant with a wicked little laugh. Hut the pajuinaed figure holding a brass candlestick aloft had vanished. Is that our g'anpa? chorused two little voices. An Is dls heaven?" they demanded. "Guess youre on the right track, little ones, cheered Phil. Now tell us all about It," he encouraged as he and Veal a led them toward the hearth where they were oon nestling on the pair of old rose cushions Vewta had brought out for the occasion. Ye, tell us about it, dears," she urged gently, and well see." Weffordelted to say Merry 'tlsmus to Ood. an Aunt Elsie and ganpa " said the little girl. We fordetted to say Merry "Tlsmus echoed her brother. Daddy John said we'd soon be In heaven and that we'd see Ood an Aunt Elle and g'anpa. You don't look a bit like your pictures," was the dNuppo'nted comment, Hut a lot nicer, you mean, brother," correct ed the little girl. Daddy John ha annuzer picture rat looks like you. only tat lady has dimply smiles all the time," she ended, scrutinizing Vesta boldly. Vcta laughed heartily and hugged girl to her breast. The child snuggled" contentedly. "Shes slightly mixed on her geogPhil, and think raphy," whlsjx-retvve are some tersins elev vYeU get the-l'ttl- e d ihwn to fa-- t after a while. Hut the only Informtulon they could glean from the children wa that their mother vva heaven with the angel ami God, They were on their wav there with Daddy John on the tra'n, when there wa a Mg crash. When thev awoke Daddy John was gone. So thev Ju- -t went to And him. "We limit have been on the ame train." ai I lhll. "hut how those little duffer ever managed to get here L more than I know. It wa some hike even for my hpg legs. "Gh, we didn't walk all the way. A kind man let u ride. When we saw the light in the window here. I knew we had come to heaven, so I Just told 'Sh. the man to sop. And he did. you're gong to ee g'anpa. he sail and brother and I jut aid. Ye. "So here we I!" Iteamed the little hoy, in chd led. enthusiavn. 'Now fell u what your name are" Pudge and Toddy !" they kchorued gravely "Hut your other name, your daddy' name?" Daddy John!" they repeated firm !y, nor could they le shaken In their assertions. "Aji f want to ee God an Aunt - low. So far, so good! breathed Phil cheerfully, shouldering the embyro I declare Its worth Christmas tree. a trip to France, with a train off the track, to have this experience. Hut how about a Santa Claus rig? One thing at a time, Phil, gurgled Vesta In so girlish a voice thut the man was almost startled. I declare this tarrying of the Christmas spirit, entertaining guests unawares, playing a vestal virgin and being a druid all In one night Is rather exhilarating. Maybe weil have a real Christmas yet. Poor dad and mumsey! I'm wondering. . . .' s a f.,r Beloved I Open v,,ui away voice. eyes. Look at me," he added compdi-Ingly- . 4 ly, John!" whispered she, unbellmiiS John!" a world of longing in tl, name. Suddenly ahe remembered, and drawing herself up proudly she lei tin I forgot . way to the spare room. you came to get your babies. The) are In there," she commenced dully "Not anticipating your arrival, w trimmed a Christmas tree for them.' "That was Just like you, SWeethenri Vesta, he said tenderly, linking her arm In his, but It happens they art not my babies. They belong to m brother Luke, who died In France. Their mother died when they were born. I was on my way with them to spend the holidays with their grandfa ther and my sister Elsie In New Haven " Oh Vesta's laugh rip pled out like a Christmas chime. Ob They said their names were Budge and Toddy, that they were on their way to heaven to see grandpa and Aunt EI!e In new heaven.l and they talked about Daddy John.? Hut her voice was muffled on the shoulder nearest her. Phil had discreetly with drawn. Their names are Helen and John," he managed to say betimes, and a funny little pair tney are. They hav insisted on calling themselves Hudgt and Toddy. It Is a childish fancy from which we have been unable to shake them." In the morning when the colonel and Mrs. Drake came downstairs, they wer met with a vociferous, Meriy Tlsmus, g'anpa. Merry Tlsmus, gamna !" What's that! Whats that! stormed the colonel as they hugged his legs and begged him to play "Hide a Cock Horse. That I will, you young rascals. he began, lint It seems tc me Its time for my daugnter to makt explanations. . Lad es dont generally acquire a family ovei night T he bantered. With the exception of the metdfl portant Item Vesta omitted of the previous evenings ejfprience. Be still, you young rascals blua tered the colonel. I'cant even hear myself think, said, pretending to be very an and pounding on tha . r ! "Cheer up, cousin ! He doesn't kno about the tree yet Maybe he. too, be Induced to accept your Chriato hospitality, since you are keeping house." Vesta smiled wanly, aa she rejv lsbed the fire, tossing onto the coaij a handful of phosphorescent iwrer the colors of which Cashed up Instantly, Illuminating the tree with a wo. derful Iridescent light. A long s,ieac followed. Hgh priestess of the sacred fire began Ihii gently, fairy godmother, ot whatever thou art, I hear the crunching Of heavy footsteps oa your grd patlu Shall I Intercept the gentieuiua and apare thy fathers wrath?" Oh. do," begged she. This n.nt-maof ours la getting rather lnteret Ing, Isn't It?" she added with a fonej , . laugh. Told you sol One can expect any thing now," he prophesied as he pp. toed to the door and swung It c;!,. I owe you an apology, for coming ft thla hour, but you can understand n.j anxiety, I am sure," began the caber At the sound t the dee, munlj mice Vesta swayed like a Illy oa a !t slender stalk. There was a blur bef,)r( her .eyes, and the sound of distant music In her ears. It was the care. era of course, for she had always pci herself that' she was not one of tht fainting klrid. Sweetheart Vestal" came .... . p c ym-auiio- tbla-war- please say no more. I'm glad and proud and happy," she smiled bravely. Thump! Thump! Thump! Interrupted the knocker for the third time that evening, a most unusual thing at the Chestnuts. Kven Phil was startled. 'I told you so!" he nodded with a grimace as he stro'de toward the door. Flinging It open he beheld two wee tots, a boy and a girl, standing on the front porth, cllng'ng to each other timidly. Wes lostedF p!jed the little girl, before Phil had time (a voice hla exclamations of surprise. Is this the . new heavenT" Goes H la I" greeted Phil cheerily. Come right In and we'U talk It over. Weil ask the Christmas' spirit, he'll know." "Come right In, dears," echoed Vea-ia- , taking them by their hands. In another Instant she was dawn on her knees removing their little caps and I full-fledge- . to UP0 uo.rale-Ivismil-dtook uc Uhnea."' bristled Phil. "lneyve UvexL Liaie au . .U mu (uik later the tree aecoola few a and the!i Uvs. Why shouldn't you have John raid we would when we got In the corner on Its was stockset pedestal our we chance?" to heaven. Can tour hang up of the living room. 'I know, cousin." she returned softings?" asked the little girl. Isnt it prettily shaped, and how You surely can, dears." said Vesta, ly, placing her fingers on hs lips, but ing on more logs. "The Christmas spirit never tarries where there la no welcome 1" Stop that drivel about Christmas!" commanded the colonel, sharply on the hearth, or cane bis banging . leave the house thla In Ill . stant. . . .. Do you hear tueT" He ended with an Impotent thump of his faithful stick. Vesta rose slowly, and bravely tossing bark her head, crossed the room and flung open the d)or. Vesta, and a "(.Had to see you. Ml merry Christmas." greeted old Joe Told your father to-- i Jiean cheerily. ay I'd bring you over a turkey for the great feast Knew yours had All died off this year. and thought It would help to tell you It's Christinas," he chuckled with smiling Hpa that his enormous beard could not conceal. Merry Christmas to you. Joe!" returned Vesta. "Come right In," she added with a covert glance In the direction f her father,, w.ho was sitting very erect in hi Sleepy Hollow chair. Mrs. Draft rose and came forward, hand 'outstretched nervously. "It was very, kind of you to remember us. Joe," she began, taking the turkey. "Why, wliat a nice fat fellow !" she added appreciatively. he Cora-fe!" chuckled the old man. Fattened him on purpose for you," he answered Ingratiatingly. The colonel nodded Indifferently. (Jh. dont say thank you. Its nothing at all," deprecated Joe. wasnt going to, Hean, so anve your breath. Im not keen about either giving or takhdf.v Every man for him self, you know. That's my motto. It's a " Hut the Insistent Bound of the knocking again drowned the colonel's ....!" Budge and1 Toddy Were Tucked Away. vestal virgin, druid, of tairy godmother?" Just a friend of Santa Claus," she laughed triumphantly. I mr Je them all myself from some of dads old flannel shirts, aided and abetted by paper patterns. Arent these shoebutton eyes scrumptious? I did so hope that dad would relent and that Nora and the kiddles would be here," she added wistfully. It was nearly twelve oclock when they finished their decorations. To be sure, the tree was not the magnificent cataract of skates, sleds, and guns, such as had tumbled before their vision In years gone by, but In Phil's own words, It was "most creditable." When It had received the last pat of Vestas hand, Ihll went to the kitchen with her and helped moke fudge In the form of chocolate rabbits. Apple bons, prepared for Noras children, already hung on the branches of the tree. Joe Bean's turkey offering lay on the cold marble table In the pantry, the huge fowl stuffed and trussed, ready for the fire. "Hark Isn't that the carolers?" asked Phll as sleigh bells sounded In the distance. "It surely Is! returned Vesta hapI hope dad won't mind. pily. "Pshaw! It will do him good. His soul ha got warped a bit, that Is all that alls Uncle Henry. He needs to have It Ironed out with a little music. Maybe a carol or two will help hlm The Chrlst-chllwalks the earth tonight, you know, Phll, looking for green wreaths In hla mejnory, and he touches the lintel offcvery door that has a sprig of graehi upon It," she ended reverently It cameupon the midnight clear! softly Varoled the singers. w Inflow overhead opened noiselessly. That was all. Vesta clasped her hands gently. The carolers drew nearer. God ret ye merry gentlemen. well-lade- n 1 .... full-grow- n mriall ! d One thing at a time, Vesta, knocked I prophesy other surPhil gaily. prises. When the ChrlstiAas spirit Is Let nothing ye diemay; abroad In the land no telling what mirFor unto ut a King torn, Thle glad, sweet Chrtatmaa day, , . acle may happen." Even Uncle Henry The voices trailed away, then the may get a Jolt Into the Kingdom of Happiness. Hi sure do my part to window ahove closed very softly. bringlhls to pass." Maybe the Christmas leaven Is A they passed down the hillside to working." suggested, Phil grimly. the quiet street, now carpet ed with Now for a look at the kiddles, . uow, they heard a sound of whispered Vesta, to see If all Is well." Soon happy voices were carolI want my Daddy John." whiming. pered Budge. "Silent Night! Holy N'ght !" they "I wnnt my Daddy John," echoed sang. Toddy, rolling over the other sleeping The Christmas tree and holly man child. was still dispensing hi wares when "Poor little kiddle!" murmured Vesthey at last reached the market, and ta. tucking them In. won Vesta's arms were laden with "They'll forget all about It In the h'ning holly wreaths in which many morning when they see their tree. Its ml berries gleamed, while Phil with the other fellow, the fond dad, who Is hi balsam and other packages looked doing the worrying. Gee! In all our uke an animated CbriMmns tree. excitement. I forgot to call up the lost Here's a sprig of mistletoe for you. and found department at police headto quarter. Believe I ought to do It Mls Veta, and a Merry Chri-tmyou." said old Sam. with a sly glunce jet." at Phil. "Do be careful that voU dont waken Why. I begin to feet like a little dad and mumsey," warned Vesta, but girl aga'n." cried Vesta happily, as Ihll wa already on the wire. they trudged along through the snow-toWhy, yes. they're here now at ard home. "I never knew before Colonel Drake's, a boy and a g'rl. that the Chritmns sp'rit could be so sound asleep. Yes, we're up yet but nice. I declare I have little creepy they're all right. . . . Oh, of feelings of Joy all up and down my course e have no objections if he can't wait until morning. . . . he rang pine this minute." Same here!" agreed Phil. Hut off. Well, the lost father Is found." he youd better douse 'the glim. Vesta, In the language of the Immortal VicYoure destined shrugged ruefully. tor Hugo, or Its flickering will tell to be a mother but for an hour. He Some Is on the way here now " tales to your august parents. Christmas after all, eh?" he added as Oh. the brute cried Vest. "He he tugged the tree up the steps of the wouldnt take them away frrtr a tofront porch while Vesta held the Aw night after all our work to make them open." All was quiet within, but they hapry. . . Her vote brokfc I sleigh-bells- I -- as r Owe You an Apology." floor with his stick. Whereupon they clambered over Lim all tle more, beg glng tributes for their wonderful tree. Sdme Christmas tree! Eh, uncle?" said Ihll merrily. It's not tad." admitted the colonel casually, and by the way, Vesta, you might telephone over to Nora that we re expecting her and Don and the children early today. Then, - when youre through with that Pd be obliged to you P jou would telephone John Denton U come over to breakfast. I'd have asked him myself, but didn't e want to disturb your little when I came down at midnight to aee what the fuss was all about . . "Merry Christmas, daddy, dear," cried Vesta gaily. Implanting a k!s squarely on hla mouth, which be straightway pretended to wipe off. Many happy returns, little girl, to you and John, eh, mother?" be said with a resounding thump- of hi stick on- th hearthtete-a-tet- - - - |