THE BEST CHRISTMAS PRESENT

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 88, 7 January 1933, Page 17

THE BEST CHRISTMAS PRESENT

Jacqueline ran down the hall and into the dining-room, with pink cheeks and sparkling eyes. “Ob, Auntie, I’ve sucli lovely Christmas presents,” she cried excitedly as she kissed Aunt Susan. “Don’t kiss me child, you’ll break my specs. How do you like your doll?” “She’s beautiful, and so is the book. Isn't it a lovely morning?” cried Jacqueline joyfully. “Humph! You have not wished me a Merry Christmas, and you haven’t done your hair properly,” growled Aunt Susan. “A Merry Christmas, Aunt Susan. Does it matter about my hair?” “Yes.” A few minutes later Jacqueline returned with her fair hair nicely brushed. After breakfast she. went outside and sat on the grass under an apple tree. “I’d. be perfectly happy if Munimie and Daddy were here,” she thought. Her father, accompanied by her mother, had gone to Australia for several months on business, and left her in the care of Aunt Susan, who was not used to children and was often cross with her eight-year-old niece. Jacqueline played with her presents and read her book until lunch time. ■When this meal was over she went to her bed-room and had a rest, as Aunt Susan thought she might get sunstroke if she went outside. Jacqueline had been lying down for about a quarter of an hour, when a red car drew up at the front gate. The next minute voices were heard in the hall, then —joy of joys—Murnmle walked into her room, followed closely by

Daddy. The next few minutes were spent in hugs and questions. "Oh, Murnmle, I thought I was happy to-day withall my lovely presents, but you’re the best present of all,” said Jacqueline later in the afternoon. —Original by “Country Bumpkin.” aged 13 years.