The Blue Candle

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 17, 20 January 1940, Page 2 (Supplement)

The Blue Candle

(Ry Valerie Spanner, 8 Arran Street, Avoudalc, 5.W.3.)

It was Christmas with all the holly, balloons and other decorations, and Linda paused in front of a brightly lit shop window. In the very middle, among a pile of brightly glittering tinsel and silver bells, was a largo twisted blue candle. It didn't seem like an ordinary candle. It was so delicately blue, and tho small flowers 011 its slender base seemed alive in their varied hues of yellow, red and mauve. While Linda was still looking in the window, a small hand was slipped into hers. "It's a lovely window, isn't it Liiuly?" a small voice said and Linda looked down to see her small brother standing by her side. "Yes, it is a lovely window," Linda said, "but we will have to hurry up now, or Aunt Anno will be cross." With theso words tho two children hurried on, for this year they were spending Christmas with their Aunt Annette. At length they saw her standing outside a brightly lit shop, and as they hurried up they saw -that sho looked rather tired and cross. "Hurry up children, whatever makes you take so long?" Linda smiled, "Wo wore looking in tho windows, auntie. Don't you think they look every so gay at Christmas?" Their aunt hurried them 011. It was really late, and sho would have to buy their presents to-morrow, ij. lovely frock for Linda, and, of course, a boat for David. That night Aunt Anne felt ill and had to stay in bed, and as it was the very last night on which the big toy shop was open, sho decided that they would have to make do with something much more simple this year. She went down town next day and she hurried over to tho store. Outside a painter was merrily chatting with a friend. "A merry Xmas," he said chcerily, "out buying presents?" "Xo," tho friend replied, "I'.** got them, Or at least the children have. They nearly always like to choose their own, they get such a thrill out of it."