Life — December 27, 1894 — page 29: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

THE EMPTY STOCKING. ** So this is really Christmas Eve,” the Emancipated Woman mused, Then her thoughts went back three or four years, before she had acquired the successful practice she now enjoyed, and her memory took on a tender hue. “Is it possible that so long a time has passed since I wooed and won the lovely Dick Gildersleeve ? Yes, it is actually four years. I would not have believed it. The dear boy! Other women sought him—some with wealth, while | had none ; some firmly established in lucrative professions, while I was sitting in my office waiting for clients, who, it seemed, would never come. h, I had time then for love-making ears for other wooers. He preferred me and coyly admitted it. It was the happiest day of my life when I led my blushing bridegroom to the altar, and I was envied by all the girls I kne: The Emancipated Woman's reflections faded off into unformulated reverie, Then she began to think again. ‘He has been such a faithful husband! The dear boy had no eyes nc And 1? How have I It is true that my increasin success has left him with no ground for complaint as far as cloth repaid his affectionate tenderness? and 1 have paid all the household bills with promptness, but how about the affection, the tenderness, for which a husband naturally longs? I fear | have been too the faithful fellow’s heart is pining for a loving word and an occasional While he has been at home, keeping house, doing the cuoking, T haven't Now I think of it, the color has I must pet him more, and let him know how I r,T must show my love in something more What shall I get for a present ossed in other matters, and perhaps took cheere after the baby, I fear 1 have been neglecting him, him as T should have done. faded from his cheek appreciate him. More This is Christmas E thful helpmeet 2” substantial for such a THE CHRISTMAS TREE. Tam a tree, a Christmas tree, how merry do I feel, to think of what T used to be, it makes me fairly peal with laughter to reflect that | have grown, since [ have come from Nature's haunts beneath the sky, to bear up Johnny's drum ; to carry candy on my back, and pop-corn balls galore, and many another fine knick-knack from Santa Claus’s store. With candles 1 am lighted up; with presents loaded down, and so to me fill up the cup, and toast me through the town, This is my day of all the days, [ tremble with delight, and every branch within me sways, for Lam doing right. “Tis true my load is heavier than when, a gay young twig, I fluttered with my brother fir, and thought myself quite big. But no one knows what happiness, my sisters and my brothers, can be obtained unsought, unless you've And so although a heavy load I'm bearing up to-day, I feel so good that I'll be blowed ! I'd like to float away to some land where there is no past, and where the children never will done some good to others. leave me. Then let Christmas last for- ever and forever! Tom Masson. The Emancipated Woman made up her mind, With her, to decide was to act, and she soon had her purchases made, with directions for their delivery. Thus it came to pass that when Richard Gildersleeve went down into the kitchen to prepare breakfast on Christmas morning, he found a complete new set of cooking utensils, from coffee pot to waflle irons. Moreover, there was a box of cigars, and he could once more enjoy the luxury of a smoke, an iadulgence which had been forbidden for more than three years The Emancipa and now d Woman had followed him noiselessly down stairs, stood, unobserved by him, as he joyfully took in the ificance of his Christmas gifts ‘The dear giel really does love me still,” he said, half aloud, as his yes filled with happy tears. “1 thought her affection had grown cold, and that she did not care how hard I toiled in the household drudgery, but I see | was mistaken. How happy Lam!" He looked up and saw the Emancipated Woman beaming upon him, Advancing toward her and wiping his eyes on his apron, he threw his arms around her neck and sobbed + You have given me the happiest Christmas I ever enjoyed.” Witham Henry Siviter. comicbooks.com