~Q-”-"°"° i What. No H

my Inger Winterboaraa)

.. isn't see why we need do Tlllltaiadtleorge objected mildly. ..H,,..,y," retorted his wife. ‘Your ht lies lent us her home. and W9 “us; show her how grateful we

sre.

-~ dearest. I am grateful. But

“v53” the people in the village

“’.'.‘.'.'.,,"“I.'.,°.'r"'izm. are Lord of the “yin her absence. Isn't it

‘ﬂung-i 1n like iivin: we: back mrthe time of Elizabeth."

"y", yes, I know-J’

“A11 my life I have dreamt that.

e day, 1'd have a real English ‘omlstmas with logs in the if?" cm my QM] the Squire taking his thmilly to Church across the snow!"

Tye, but you have such an Am3 “lggnlldel of these things. darling. {he villagers have radio sets and

m me movies. They're not char- sters out of Dickens!"

"A" w; shall do is what your “n; would do. I've fixed it all. so u.‘ no good arguing. Come on.

a out. of it!" hostel?‘ Elli American girls (or is that

n illusion?) Susan Manning was zefy lovely. And as she wanted an English Christmas. she ‘ obviously Md to have it,“ After six months d mameg life, George Manning 11ml no illusions about that. Over jmny other things he had given w”, Wm. a good grace. often find- [n3 pleasure where he had expect~ ‘id none. But he could not see him self as Squire of Brandon Magna. 3e would not even have accepted his aunt's offer of the house but lor the hope of meetinl Mr. Long- Wynne, the publisher. who livcd, he gnaw, somewhere in the neighbour» hood. No other publisher, he was convinced, would ever publish his great work on bird-llfe—no one else In these days would even consider illustrations in colour and . Pub-

A Carol Oi The Stable

Sefore the flame was in the east, Before the cock should crow,

1 rose . ‘l felt upon my cheek The ﬁrst sharp ﬂakes of snow. And hoard the north wind biow_

t took no lantern for my feet, so well they knew the way: Out to the barn I went. to see , The oxen kneel and pray-—

It being Christmas Day.

luh in has place they stood, and turned

Their mild soft eyes on me;

ms whether they were risen from prayer

0r had not bowed the knee,

Was more than I could see:

lut as I met their gentle gaze My own cheek was not dry; (knelt to Christ among the beasts Less blind of heart than I. And wept, I well knew why.

More than my home, more than

iny heart iBoth crammed with worthless things) '

The stable seemed a fitting roof For shepherd-saints and kings And folded angel-twinge.

'l'o such a place of innocence Although it be not broad, Might come the heaven, Might come tho purple-sited, To kneel and gaze on God.

—Audrey Alexandra Brown.

holy ones of

ighwaymen l

llllilﬁ price of four suiulll B“ Susan did not an him as an orni- thoioglst. She saw him u Lord (m the time semi of the Menor- Unwilllngiy, he found hlmseir al- suming the role.

"Well, darling}? he conceded.’ "let's so over what you think that

rogramma should be."

"That's the boy! First. than. m have the Church Choir up to Manor House to sing carols. We give them hot cocoa. mince piol. apples and nuts. The boys will love that!"

“They're mostly middle-aged we- men. . . ."

"Stop grouching. {hen there's the Women's Institute and. . . -." The rut went on. wmorilin: sift! for retired servants, spot prizes for a Village Dance and a present for Mrs. Grumble.

"For whom?" asked George. "Mrs. Grumble. She used to pol- ish the brasses in the church. You take her a bottle of wine and an Improving Book. You neednt stay for more than a few minutes."

"Mn.-

"Yes. you! You can do it the dag." before Christmas Eve, while I'm at the Women's Institute. Your aunt always visits Mrs. Grumble that evening."

"Where does Mrs. Grumbie live. anyway?"

"Out towards Ottingley. Do you remember that farm where they keep geese? Well, it's somewhere about there. Her cottage is called Farleigh or Old Farleigh-some thing like that."

“And what do I take her? all, wine in these-J’

"l asked Mrs. Simmons about that. You take her a bottle of invalid port and you get It at a drug-store. Say, this Christmas is

After

going to be just swell. It'll be snowing, and you and I go to Church in the morning. You put

a fi\'e dollar—I mean. a pound note —in the collecting plate. And, aft- erwards. in the Churchyard, you wish everybody a merry Christ- mas." “Before getting into the family coach. . . ." "Honey-don't you love me any more?"

“Darling. . . .!" After that George knew what he had to do and was loyalty resolved to go through with It. a character from one of the inner (till-page illustrations of a Christ- mas number. But Susan had that enviable American zest for that was half her charm. He felt that snow would iiave to fail, just to please her; and. as a matter of fact. it did. It started a few days before Christmas and

He felt like

living

g I ' uafsiinn." 5

To you and yours the lave

THE".

REETINGS I948

that's of this day.

Mrs. Grumbie. “We can start." sha explained, "in ten minutes’ time. You shall drop me at the Pariah Hall and then go on to Ottulgley. Call for me again about ten~ thirty. Now, have you IOt the things to take?"

"They're still in the oar -— they only need labels. One bottle of cough-mixture or whatever it is, and one copy of ‘Sunday Stories’ I still think, you know, that it rnusl be a children's book."

"Well, the girl in Brown's said it wasn't. I'm going to powder my nose. Meet me in the hall."

George had visited his aunt at regular intervals since boyhood. but he did not know the surrounding country very well. least of all when transformed by snow. Neither. as he passed through Ottingiey. was there anyone to question. The world seemed lifeless and he drove on cautiously past a farm where the geese (if there were any) had wisely gone to bed. Snow laden trees appeared in the headlights and vanished again, frozen pools crunched beneath the tyres and the road stretched ahead without shape or meaning. At last he noticed a five-barred gate, just after he had passed it, which looked like the entrance to a track. He stopped the car and, walking back. wiped the snow from the top bar. There. sure enough, were the words ‘Far- leigh Old Hall." That, presumably. was the place.

The road was narrow and he now drove on for a few yards. meaning to‘ turn at the next point where It widened. A gateway stood open and he was just about to turn in it when lie noticed that this. too, was marked with a Ililfllt‘. Walking over to it, and brushing the snow off. he read "Farleigh Cottage.’ This must

The First Christmas

transformed Brandon liiagna ‘nto a

apprehensively for the As for the Manor House, which Hollywood reconstruction of itself;

sphere.

was, the sight of a robin

town. to be time.

fair imitation of what Susan be- Iieved it to be. George looked about highway- men needed to complete the scene.

dated from 1595. It looked like a

and even George felt in danger of succumbing to its insidious atmo- Keen ornithologlst us he made him look the other way with a

would give Mr. Longwynne more time to think over the written pro- posals, sent off before George left Besides, there wasn't going

Two days before Christmas Susan reminded him, after dinner. about

The night was soft, was silent, The Babe lay on the straw

But only beasts of burden

Around Him there He saw.

A footfall broke the stillness, The Ox stirred in alarm.

But. only a Shepherd entered

A iannbkin on his arm.

Rcvellers were shouting inside the

noisy Inn,

And all the world was suffering ' From sorrow and from sin.

shudder. lie decided not lo in some my weeping on that mid- quire after his publisher neigli Illgihii lvﬂg 58°. boui- until after Christmas. ll some whose hearts were Iieﬂvv

With burden and with woe.

And all the world was waiting

That which was foretold

The promise the Messiah, of the Prophecy of old.

-—|\rt Mutter-t, Chelton. P. B. I.

cisiiimrrslstgitoiotowh

‘IIIIY Ml‘. ll IIIAI» CIIRICTMAC OIFT r)

i "Oh.

be the place. Mrs. Grumbla was more likely to live in a cottage than a Hall. Instead of turning. there- fore, he drove into the gate and in- stantly found himself ciimbtng a steep hill. There was a moment when his wheels failed to grip, but. after a struggle, ha managed to draw up opposite a small iron-rtud- ded door. Feeling miserably embar- rassed, George rang the bell and stood with his parcels beneath the cover of the porch. A minute later the door was opened by a girl. “How good of you!" she exclaim- ed, “we thought you'd never make it on a night like this. That's spien did. All right. I'll take them- careful with that bottle-keep it flat—therei" She smiled at George. "Perhaps I'd better not ask you in —you'll won't to be getting on. But many. many thanks! And a Merry Christmas!" George return ed the greeting and was glad to escape so easily.

Later that evening he and Susan were entertaining the lady who hat‘ been lecturing at the Village Hall and who evidently lived nearby’. "l hear", she said, "that you have been playing Good King Wcnccslzis. lion is Mrs. Crumble?"

I didn't sea her," said George, “But I certainly found the snow deep and crisp and evcn on

the way uphill to her house. The car only just made it." “Up to Iicr house? Surely you

mean down’! Icy."

“But doesn't she IIVG at Farleigh Cottage?"

"Heavens. no! 'l'hat‘s where lilr Longwynne lives. You imveirt .

"But I have!" (joorgc took down "Who's Who" umi opened it.

"Good graclousl" exclaimed tiic visitor. "He's a millionaire! The Cottage is the biggest house in the neighbourhood." But Georgi: hurl found the place.

"‘L<1iir!\v.\'n11v. Laiwiiot l-Ivi-e mond." he rend, "Publisher, Jiuth or and Collector". . . iic l'\‘iltl or silently for" ti lilllilllé~—"l\lcli“ilicl‘ of the Athonaeum and (lliliiUlt . . Coﬂector of hWr nut] Ilurc Erh- IiOhS. . . . Pro cimt oi’ Ill.‘ Wine Club. . . ." 'l'lici'c \\':is ll tllulllll) slioncc.

“lie must have bcvn BAllL-Ulillg something,“ whisperer] George. "A First Folio, porhziims. illltl a lioitlo oi some priceless liquor. . . Tho telcpionc rant; and Licorgc picked up ilie,i'i>vr-i\'ci'.

“Is that Mr. Gcorgc Manning?" came an exquisitely modulated voice.

"Y-yes," said George reluctantly. “Speaking. . . ."

"LOllg\\'_\'l'lliE here. We have been roaring with laughter" over your Christmas gift. A subtle piece of humour-for which many thanks. You know, I had rather turned down your British Birds hook. l shall evidently iiave to look at it again! Goodbye. and thanks." George replaced the receiver anti heard, as he did so. the voice of a belated reveiler from the drive on‘ aide:

"Th0? that 1°11? well feed ti

poor Shall themselves find, bleee-singi

She lives in the val

Christmas Trees, Cribs and Ceppi

Christmas trees and cribs, with. in respective spheres of influence. provide focal points for observance of the season

Various legends cialri to teil the story of the first Christmas tree; actually. evergreen decorations were so closely associated with pa- gan celebratlons that they were banned by many ecclesiastlos of the early church.

According to literature, the first Christmas tree was set up at Stras- bourg, Germany. in i604; even then. the cry rose against heathen customs and, as lute as 1851. the Rev. Henry Scliwan was severely

To The Virgin Mother

Virgin Mother- sweet and mild. Smiling down on me, . Christ was once your little boy. A little boy like me.

Did you hold Him in your arzus‘! Did you talk to Him?

As my mother talks to ma

In the twilight dim.

Did you sing Him iullabies When evening shadows creep? Did you tell Him little stories Ere He went to sleep?

Did you smooth His shining heir And draw Him close to you?

Did you kiss His Winsome facet’ Did He kiss you too?

Did I-le run about and plllf." With the other boys‘: Was He always very good? Sharing all liis toys’!

Do you think lies listening When I say my Prayers?

1s He sad when I am naughty? Do you think He cares?

Does He hear me when I whisper very soft and low’?

Virgin Mother, sweet and mild. Tell cue-for you know.

--Constancc I. ilcckbert.

G~U.\R_DIAI}T,_CTI_-I_A_R_ID.TTE1'OWNV_ W ,__ __, race ELEVEN simian; A re ruaaalllllllll-

.;lﬁKKEK_Km&&KKcZm&\lKZ&Kt§=ssitﬁmiwi

groin cowhide oII styled by Arrow. PRICES .

Medium weight flannel

lui gill’. PRICE _.

including panels, stripes by Forsyrh, BriII PRICES . . . . .

SMALL DEPOSIT DOWN SELECTIONS WILL BE UNTIL CHRISTMAS.

Narrow belts in brown or block top distinctive

hardware ..-$I.O0 up robes in oII

wool solid colors, u lusting and use-

. . . . . .SI6.95

Neckties inIoII the newest patterns

and poisleys

and Mciiestic.

.. $1.00 up

SHOP EARLY FOR BEST CHOICE USE OUR LAYAWAY PLAN PAY A

AND YOUR RESERVED

emine-

nis 00.. m.

MEN'S

‘I44 GREAT IiEIIRIiE ST.

Q41

ii"sselodivepieuelidaby.napliw.tldrli

Just make your selections la our

furnishings department and you're sofa. Besides the ‘rtenis illustrated, there are hundreds more, so come ‘m iioddy.

ALL WOOL SWEATERS

Poncy Norwegian deeigﬂi. PM“ NI‘ on oiid panels, pullover or cocit styles. PRICES ................-$3.95 to 57-95 DELUXE SHIRTS

Fancy stripes or plain colors, else white in such famous makes cis For- syi-h, Brill, Forden and Bond, oII with the popuior fused collars.

PRICES ..........-$2.95 to $7.00

IIIIII BIIYS’ WEAR PIIOIIE 1500

n‘

xxmaw

iﬂS\\§iK

special permission from

io-prssent a tableau cf the nativity scene. This first crib. set up Greccio. immediate sensation:

criticized for setting up a Christ. mas tree in his church in Cleve. land, Ohio.

Si. Francis of Assisi received

the pope

at Ililll’. ill T223. was an the renais-

sance endowed the cribs with or- iate bageantry and. nioclernly, the

crib is to southern Europe and Catholic countries what the tree DVEPEU 5129 o! ‘he 1s to Amcri ~11 aiLl northern lands.‘ The “U019 7111118 “'35

Eighteenth century Italians were lwllh °°1°T9<I illPeT- “m5: ‘Q5565’ fond oi a fantastic decoration cal- "111805. tiny D1119 CQXIBS and Mme a manger scene was rel?"-

led the Coppn,

nE-MBIIIMEHMMDIB 7 ‘tllikb-DéiBBiJJS-MDIEPKM!B1313.QMIMDaBWIIIIDIDIDlIIIIMDvDrDah-l-iilbl ‘*3’

JEWELLERY The GIFT

Pyramldical in H585; roiistruciidn. the Ccppi were made Sefited 041 the WW9“ shelf‘

on 8

Never since we started business have we had such on

outstanding display. We can fill your needs from the

framework of laths transverse shelves rising to three or four stories, depending on the

he upper ones were covered with small gifts. etc; wax tapers were placed along the sidu and a large gilt cone ornamented the top. Al- though the original deslgner prob- able never saw a Christmas tree. the Comm-aided by a little imagi- nation - bridges the gaP bet-WP“ Christmas cribs and trees.

with

Ceppo. covered

while

Jill]

r ii smallest to the largest article. i! COME IN TODAY AND SEE FOR YOURSELF V DRESSER SETS PEARLS COMPACTS Make her happy with one oi O-ne, two or titres strand neck- She will be delighted with thﬁe I o," threkpg,“ dress" "ti Icces and earrings — exquisite gift of dhondsome compact. _ 1 'ch,om. and 5",,“ A m.“ gift grits handsomely packaged. large variety to choose rom m Make w“, medic" w,” What Iovelier gilt for the Iody. latest styles. a _ r ‘ ‘é FREE — FREE _. FREE E Be sure and get your Ticket on the three Free Gifts we g ore giving away Christmas Eve. You may be the Will:- ; ner of either a Watch. Signet Ring or Pen and Pencil ' Sat.

COSTUME JEWELLERY

We hovc u selection that will brighten up any ensemble she will be wearing. AII within o reosoiiohle price range.

LOCKETS

In keeping with our display our large showing of Iockets in sii- ver and gold is sure to please. Como in lodoy and see them.

ELECTRIC SHAVERS

Just tIie gift for him. Reming- ton mode they are IuIIy guor- anteed cnd will make his daily morning task eosier and taster.

CROCKETT’S JEWELLERY

CHARLOTTET OWN

ALBERTON