UNCLE PHIL'S SURPRISE

Evening Star, Issue 22004, 13 April 1935, Page 5

UNCLE PHIL'S SURPRISE

Pearl was very excited when she skipped downstairs on her birthday morning. On the breakfast table stood a big pile of parcels, which she was soon busy opening. “ Why, there’s nothing from Uncle Phil!” she exclaimed in surprise, when the last one had been undone. Uncle Philip had never forgotten before. He had no children of his own, and always sent handsome birthday and Christmas gifts to his little niece and nephew. “ Perhaps it will come by the next post,” suggested Mummy. When the postman came-later Pearl flew to the door. But, alas! there was no parcel. Only a pretty, doggy post card which had the curious message: “ Christmas is coming. Uncle Phil.” Pearl was very puzzled. Whatever did Uncle mean? She was disappointed, too as Christmas was a long way off. ‘ .Tolly rough luck!” teased her brother Reg. “ Perhaps Uncle’s hard up, so he’s going to slip mrthdays and give only Christmas presents now.” Mummy laughed, and said she didn’t think that was the reason at all. “ 1 should just wait and see,” she advised. After dinner she took the children and two little friends for a long walk in the woods. Disappointment was soon forgotten as they chased one another in and out of the trees. It was nearly tea time when they all trooped back again, carrying leaves and berries to decorate the table. Daddy had arrived home earlier than usual, and was standing at the door to welcome thenj. “ Christmas has come,” he called out gaily. The children stared. Whatever nonsense was Daddy talking? He was every bit as mysterious as Uncle Philip. Then Daddy took hold of Pearl’s hand. “ This way for the surprise,” he said. The next moment Pearl ran forward with a shriek of delight. There, sitting up saucily in a basket, was the prettiest wire-haired terrier she had ever seen. Round his neck was a gay bine collar, and fastened to it was a card on wliieh Uncle had written: “My name is Christmas. Please love me, and call me Chris for short.”