"A JOYOUS CHRISTMAS"

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 150, 22 December 1931, Page 24

"A JOYOUS CHRISTMAS"

(Original.) : It was Christmas J3ve, and as lite last chimes of midnight died away, all was silent again, save for tlio soft breath.ing ~of the little child in bed. .' Suddenly there was ft scraping sound in the chimney, afow grunts, and then finally a deep voice muttered: "Bother!" and a large figure descended none too quietly on to the hearth. "Why can't these modern houses have large chimneys?" said Father Christmas to himself. "Here am I getting on in years, and not half as agilo as I used to bo! Anyway, I wonder what little Dorothy wants this year for Christinas ?'', and be tjp.toecj across the rgpjn to where tho sleeping child lay. Carefully and quietly he filled, the stocking, bulging full with all tho'toys children, love. Then came the best present of all —a wonderful china doll, with' golden hair r.nd blue eyes which openo4 and shut. This ho laid at the child's feet, and with a last tender look at tho little one who'lay with arms outflupg and a, smile on her lips, ho, ascended'the chimney once more, amidst many grunts and groans. , . • Christmas morning!! Dorothy was awake as soon as tne sun had; peep_cd_ through tho chinks of her blinds —sitting up in bed an' viewing her presents .with gasps of wonder and delight, and hugging the beloved doll to" her. '' "Dear 61c". Santa Claus," she whispered to the doll. "Isn't he just wonderful to guess that 1 wanted all these gorgeous presents?" And the doll seemed to smile as if she agreed. "LYDIA" (10). Kelburn. •" " ' '. - i