Life — December 21, 1899 — page 15: what you’re looking at

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

EER A Christmas Correspondence. ROM ber to him: “ Dear Jim, I'm so perplexed, So altogether tired out and vexed ; I've tramped through miles and miles and miles of store, I've handled gloves and ties and trash galore. Tho girls aro all disposed of—any stuff That looks expensive's always good enough— RX But you men, who grow humorous ata tie (This wisdom isn’t cribbed from out the pater's— For my enlightenment, sco comic papers) You know a smoking cap would make you mad; Please, is there anything you haven't bad? Just mention any trifle you prefer— What is it that you want for Christmas, sir. And I will bless you with my latest breath, Most cordially, your friend, Elizabeth.” “ Dear Girl,” ho wrote, “I'm sorry that you're harassed, Although you've made mo frightfully embar- rassed. Each Christmas of my life I've been so baunted By all tho awful things I baven't wanted, I hardly can believe the tale is true That I'm at last to havo a thing, I do. In fact, your letter really seoms to say, You are to dictate, I am to obey. So poor, rash child, no longer I demur; ‘These aro tho little trifles I prefer; Imprimus them: two certain eyes of blue That tell unbid tho hidden thoughts of you; Second : your strong, young hands, alert to lend Thoir tender strongth to help and hold a friend; And third: that laugh of yours that rings as guy As bappy bells upon a holiday ; And fourth: your sweetness, tenderness and truth, Tho glory and tho gladnoss of your youth. yu Dear little Madam Santa Claus, a line To tell mo if this present may be mine, Ob, child, bo generous this Christmas day, And your potitioner will ever pray The right to sign himself, with sweet intent, Always your grateful, glad Reeipiont.” “How 1 Wisi THIS WAS VescvIUS Theodosia Pickering Garrison. CLIMBING THE MATTERHORN.