THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS

Gisborne Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 3711, 21 December 1912, Page 23

THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS

(By W. . Draw the curtains,'Parker; it’s horribly cold to-night,” ■ said PJiilip Athelstane peevishly, as the soft-foot-ed servant placed the port wine at his master’s elbow. _The man crossed noiselessly to the window and carefully pulled the heavy plush hangings across the embrasure. ' ‘‘lt’s snowing hard, sir—a rough, wiki night,” lie yoluntered respectfully. •‘Ugh! That means slop and slush, and other abominations, to-morrow,” grumbled Athelstane, drawing his chair nearer to the blazing log fire. Parker, send those boys to the right-about; they are making a most infernal row outside,” lie added crossly. ' "It’s the Carol boys, sir. You see, it's Christmas Eve, and so, of course “A nice excuse for dirtying the steps and ruining people's nerves ! Tell them to go at once, or you will send for « policeman,” enjoined his' master firmly. “Yes, sir,” muttered Parker obediently, as without further protest he made for the door. ‘‘And, Parker— stop a moment, there seems to me to be a great deal of unnecessary disturbance and laughter downstairs this evening, not to say—er—hilarity,” continued Athelstane with a magisterial air. > “Well, you see, sir, Mrs Comfort had your permission to invite;a few of our friends to a. small swarry this evening, it being Christmas Eve like-- ” “Of course, I remember now! Though, why'you should want to see your friends more particularly this evening than any other during the year, I can’t imagine. Yery well, that will do, Parker, you nan go to your soiree. I’ll ring if I require anything else,” and Athelstane poured himself out a glass of wine and, taking up the evening paper, settled himself for a quiet read. Philip Athelstane, although but thirty years of age, was already beginning to be talked of in the business world as a great financier; indeed, all his speculations prospered ■marvellously, and all that he touched seemed, like the possessions of Midas, to turn to gold. He was a bachelor, despite the strenuous endeavors of matchmaking mammas to persuade him to the contrary. enjoying the quietude of his exquisitely-furnished house near Grcsvennr Gate, and living his own quiet, studious and somewhat selfish life when not- on ’Change, dabbling in Stocks and film res. The room in which lie had been dining looked especially cosv that boisterous Christmas Eve. It was panelled and furnished in dark oak, and richly upholstered in the best cf taste, whilst the rose-c-olovcd shades affixed to the electric lamps gave a soft, subdued light that was very alluring and restful to the eves.

On n great white bearskin before tlio fir!', a fine Persian cat basked and blinked at the glowing embers, seem ing quite to endorse his master’s sentiments that one's own fireside is the best plate on suedi a night. Never had Athelstane felt more thankful that lie was not a married man than lie did on that especial night. Why, instead of sitting quietly there with his paper, enjoying his wine and the soothing companionship of “Edward” the cat, he might t: entertaining a Christmas gathering cf relatives whom he had no desire to see ; 'or even —the horror of it—dancing inanely around a Christmas Tree in company with a host of noisy children. I

His meditations were suddenly interrupted in an unexpected and startling manner "Peggy’s most awfu’ cold!” announcecr a email voice plaintively. Atheist a n.e rubbed his eyes in bewilderment. Surely he must be dreaming of what might have been, for there, standing between the door and the fireplace,, was actually a child! Yes. a little child! A dainty, goldenhaired. blue-eyed fairy, whose slight form was enveloped in a well-worn and decidedly wet woollen shawl. Encouraged by his silence —for the man was too amazed for speech the uninvited guest advanced to the fireplace. and kneeling down on the white rug, held out her little blue hands towards the dames. “Pitty fire!” she observed approvingly and smiling up at Athelstane with childlike confidence. Mechanically the astonished man unpinned the wet shawl and threw it over a chair. - "You’ll catch your death of cold m that tiling. Wliat on earth is your moth » r thinking of to allow you to go about -in this state?” he demanded irritably. . , put Peggy only smiled sweetly and polite!v as one who did riot in the least understand the question. ••Js your mother downstairs?” demanded Athelstane. who . naturally supposed that his small visitor vas one of the guests tha.t hau been invited to the “swarry.” But Peggy shook her yellow head violent!v. '“Mummie up there!” she replied solemnly, pointing to the ceil-

in<r “Upstairs!” oja idated the man in a horrified tone, visions of -muday boots on his specially woven Axminster and a clumsy inspection. o, Ins priceless china floating before his eyes. Eor the drawing-room was overhead. ‘•Up in Heaven,” explained the child gravely. <: Ah, I understand! Well, do you know you are a very naughty little girl to come in here without being invited?” Athelstane thougnt he was speaking very severely, but evidently this was not the ease, tor po(rc/y flashed a roguish glance at him from"’a pair of ...oe-cdwell-blue eyes, and then calmly turned her attention stately vv p. 1 ci« “XPe old ]>oo-cat! Has she any little tittens for me to pky wiv?’ • “Certainlv not!” said Athelstane hastily. ‘while Edward drew himself UP and.- looked perfectly scandalised at the bare idea. “You must run , away non, 1 m busy,” continued the man, taking up his paper and pretending to read. But to his astonishment, Peggy rose and mired the Da-oar playfully away. “Pco-gy want to stay wiv you, you nice'man; Peggy like you !” she cooed insinuatingly. 1 This-unblushirig flattery nad its effect, and, reaching out ,us Athelstane took a generous punch English mascats off their Sevres dish. “There, now be off, like a good gm , you will have much more fun down- , stairs,” he suggested brilliantly; . . j Peggy, however, thought othenyL/ 1 ,, and, “sitting down once more on the rug, calmly commenced to.ipuncn l.cr

O’Brien.) • ■ grapes, generously offering the dis- > gusted and unappreciative Edward a ■ share of her spoil. ; This was going a trifle too far, and rising hastily, Athelstane pressed the ! electric bell. When a few moments later, Parker, - somewhat ruffled and breathless l’ro.n his exertions in “Sii - Roger,”, appear- , ed upon the threshold, his face was, - indeed, a study. I “It is' extremely annoying for me , to be forced to entertain your guests, Parker. Kindly take the little one i back to her relatives, and keep her under better restraint in future,” • said his master coldly. , “But—she don’t belong to anyone . downstairs, sir! No one would have presumed to have brought a child to our swiarry!” lie gasped. Then, catch- > ing sight of the shawl, “Why, she must have slipped in when I was turn- ■ ing them Carol boys away. Where do yon live, my dear, and what’s your name?” continued the butler in a ■ kindly tone, turning to the child. | “Peggy,” was all that young lady ■ would condescend to explain. “But how did you get here, dear? i Who brought you?” 1 “Peggy just corned.” “But someone must have brought you, missy! Was it mammy?’’ suggested the sympathetic Parker. ‘■’Her mother is dead,” interposed ■ Athelstane hastily. “No, she has evidently strayed away from home and ran in at the first open door she saw. You had better take her to the police station at once,” he added firmly. 1 “It’s a bitterly cold night, sir,” demurred Parker, “not fit to turn a dog out. I am sure Mrs Comfort would willingly look after the little girl until to-morrow ” ■ “Very well—the first tiling in the morning mind,” conceded Athelstane. “Now. Peggy, be a good girl and go downstairs with Parker,” he added to his small guest. i But to his dismay the rosy lips drooped pitifully, and after a moment’s hesitation Peggy burst jnto tears. ■ “Don’t want to go away—Peggy stop wiv you, man,” she sobbed. “That is very silly. You know you can’t stoji here, and—see here, Peggy . —if you are good and leave off crying

Santa Clous will put something in your stocking if you hang it up before you go to bed,” promised Athelstane soothingly. “Don’t wear stockings! Wear soils!” wailed Peggy. “Dear me! What are we to do?” asked Athelstane frantically of his servant. Then, struck hv a sudden impulse, he stooped and picked up the weeping child in his arms.

“I’ll carry you down,” he said heroically . “You’ll come with me, won’t you?” “Ess! Peggy love you,” replied the girl, smiling up at him through her tears, and, to his groat embarrassment, she put her arms round his neck, and pressed her warm rose-bud lips to his. I'jcrangc ,to relate Pe£gy was not sent to the police-station the following day, nor at any subsequent period, for the benevolent Spirit of Christmas had waved his -magic wand over the lonely financier and melted the lump- of ice that had lain in his heart Tor so many years, a process that caused him to’ ardently wish to keep and cherish the present whih had been so mysterious!v bestowed upon him at this anniversary of the blessed Christchild’s birth.

11. Philip Athelstane was pacing restlessly uj> and down liis study, ever and anon hastening to the window as his ears caught the sound of an approaching vehicle. Evidently he was laboring under some unusual excite-

ment and expectancy. Although fifteen years had passed since his adoption of Baby Peggy, those years had dealt very kindly with him : his figure was slight and youthful (indeed; lie had more the ap-r-uir.mee of an athlete than of a busy C'tv man), whilst his pleasant, cleanshaven face, with its strong, regular features and fine keen dark eyes, was as smooth and unwrinkled as a hoy’s. No wonder his habitual calmness had forsaken him that hot July afternoon, for was he not expecting Peggv home from her finishing s bool abroad? —little winsome, light-heart-ed Peggy, whom he had not seen for a year, and who was now a grownup young lady, returning to take nn the important role of “coming out,” and to occupy her place in -Society. Athelstane had never once regretted the decisive step he had taken in keeping the child so strangely sent to him. for she had quickly endeared herself to him bv reason of her wanning wavs and loving nature. Whatever trouble he might have been put to on her acenunt in the first instance was now amply repaid, for Peggv had grown up both beautiful and clever, furthermore, she evinced a tender heart full of gratitude to her benefactor. Although, of course, exhaustive enquiries had been made at the. time, no one- had come forward to claim the little waif. Peggy’s identity, therefore, was still a mystery and seemed likely always to remain so. Meanwhile. Athelstane had spared no expense for his protegee’s educa-

tion. She had been. privileged to have the best of governesses and masters, and when his relatives had remonstrated with him for bringing the girl up above her station (as they would have it) he promptly told them to mind their own .business. With a sigh of regret the financier realised that now Peggy was grown up, a chaperon wou’d he a necessary addition to bis household, consequently lie had invited his widowed sister, Mrs St. Claire, to come and fill the post. This offer the latter was only too glad to accept; moreover, as her only son was coming from India to England on a year’s leave, she mentally determined that he should be thrown as much as possible in the society of .her brother’s heiress.

Once again the sound of trotting horses took Athelstane to the window, and this time they stopped at the house. Yes. it was actually Peggy at last! and the man’s first impulse was to rush downstairs boyishly to greet her.

Then, he recollected his staid years, and that it would certainly look more dignified ancl guardian-like to remain where he was. If she were the same warm-hearted, impulsive Peggv as of old, she would seek him out the moment slio entered the house. In this he was not mistaken,' for a few minutes later the door flew open and a barking dog and a lovely girl came bounding in together. But could this possibly he Peggy, this brilliant, beautiful young goddess with the tall, graceful figure, shimmering tresses, and tender blue eyes? Ah, .yes, indeed, for her very first words betrayed her identity. “Where is he? Where’s my dear old Phil?” she cried, rushing impulsively into his arms and holding ur> a lovelv flushed face with tremulous lips tn bo kissed. “Were vou too busy to ob.ne and meet your little girl?” she added reproachfully. “You expected me?” asked Athelstane eagerly. “Of course! I nearly wept when I found you were not on the platform ! Oh, dear, how good it is to be at homo! I shall never have to leave you again, shall I, Phil?” she whispered tenderly, and nestling closer to him like a contented child. “I hone not, my clear,” ho answered, gently putting her from him. “And now I’m going to scold you already, and you richly deserve it, too!” continued the lively girl. “I was awfully disappointed at finding Aunt Agnes here. I thought I was going to keep house for you and en-

tertain your guests, but evidently I am not considered capable!” she concluded in an injured tone. “It’s not that, Peggy; of course, you’d make a splendid housekeeper—but, you see—well, you’re grown up now, olid one must eonfrm to conventionalities,” explained Athelstane awkwardly.

“Oli, bother!” ejaculated spoilt Miss Peggy, and with a pout of passing annoyance. “How hateful it is being grown up. One ean’t have any fun without- thinking of what Mrs Grundy will say.” “You will have lots of fun. My sister will take you to balls and parties, besides which, her son, my nephew Cyril, is expected from India any day. ancl will stay here. He is a, soldier, and ”

“Oh, yes, I know,” interrupted the girl. “I crossed over by the same boat as lie last night, and we made friends. Tn fact, we travelled up together,” she explained with a vivid blush.

“You have certainly lost no time.” observed Athelstane drily, for the Mush had not been lost upon him. “Is the boy sir h an Adonis as his mother makes out?” he concluded sarcastically.

“Ho is a. good-looking young giant.” observed Peggy, with assumed carelessness. “But, come, I want to go all over the house and see if everything’s just the same,” she said, abruptly changing the subject, and linking her arm affectionately in his, the girl led her Willing captive from the room.

A Week later found, the whole party installed in Athelstane’® beautiful house on the hanks of the Thames. The great financier himself took a fortnight’s holiday, and enjoyed every moment of the long summer days on the river with Peggv and his nephew Cyril-St. Claire. He looked almost ns youthful as' the handsome officer himself, in his immaculate flannels and panama, and as the high spirits of the young people were infectious, he also, felt as happy and lighthearted as a bov.

St. Claire soon confided to his mother that he had fallen head over ears in love with dainty Peggy, hut at the same time lie complained that he never had an opportunity of seeing her alone as that “confounded uncle of his” was always hanging round and spoiling his chance of a.tste-a-tete with the girl. Mrs St. Claire was diplomatic anddetermined to arrange matters to her son’s satisfaction, accordingly one day when she and Peggy were alone, she taxed the girl with never giving her guardian a moment to himself. “You see. my clear child, my brother is not; accustomed to the society of young people; it must be very wearying for him to have you always at his side. Of course, now you are too old to be kept at school any longer he is obliged to have you at home, that is, until you marry, which lie expects you to do soon,” and the widow smiled and spoke softly and sweetly- to hide the sting which lurked in her cruel words.

Peggy’s rosy cheeks turned perfectly white as .she listened to this unkind speech, whilst the corners of her pretty mouth drooped pitifully and tears were very near the surface of the blue eyes. “But Phi! likes to have me with him. He’s told me so over and over again,” she stammered in innocent bewilderment.

“Of course he is too" kind-hearted to tell you in so many words that your giddy ways irritate him. Why, where are your eyes, child, if you cannot see how you bore him to distraction?” continued Mrs St. Claire, watching the girl’s dismayed face with covert triumph. “I will keep out of his way in the future,” said Peggy, in a stifled tone.

“I should, my dear, for there is another who seeks your society as greatly as Philip- slums it. You know to whom I allude?” asked the elder woman meaningly. “I suppose I do,” replied the girl dully.

After this Athelstane was both pained and surprised at Peggy’s sud-den-change of. manner and deliberate avoidance of himself. He could only put her strange conduct down to the fact that she had lost her heart to Cyril, and was consequently too much absorbed to care about talking to , anyone else. Somehow, the possibility of Peggy’s i marrying had never hitherto occurred to him, and the thought sent a strange j numbed sensation through his whole j being, as if icy fingers were clutching j at his, heart-strings. But. after all, it- was only natural . that the girl should wish for a home of her own, and he was determined j not to stand m the light -fll lior Imp- j piness or to let hoi 1 sec what her dc- j seftion would cost him. | It chanced one afternoon that as j Mrs St. Claire and her brother were seated in low chairs on the lawn, , which sloped gently down to the river , side, a boat drifted by. the occupants | being none other than Cyril and Peggv. . i The girl was looking exceptionally | dainty and pretty as she reclined-j amongst, the crimson cushions in her 1 white muslin gown and picturesque j shady hat, whilst the young man, | with his handsome, dark face and sol- . dieriv. bearing.,'made a pleasing con- . trast to his fair companion. 1 “What a splendid couple they will make!” observed Mrs St. Claire smilingly. “They seem just made for each other!” “You are sure it is a case then? asked Athelotane in a low voice. “Sure ! My dear Philip, I am positive !” laughed his sister exultantly. “Peggy has said nothing to mo, ' murmured Athelstane with his eyes on the passing boat. “Gir ! s don’t usually talk about their love affairs: besides. Peggv is a particularly modest and well-bred girl. By the way. Philip, I presume you intend to settle some little fortune upon her when she marries?” asked his sister tentatively. “I invested a sum of money in Peggy’s name some years ago, the interest of which has since been accumulating . She will have the lump sum when she marries, or conies _of ago.’ replied her companion harshly and, rising abruptly, ho made his way indoors. The following day. Athelstane returned to town, and throw himself heart and soul into his work. lie speculated wildly for the mere excitement of the thing, and careful business men shook their heads and proldiesied evil results from such recklossless and folly. He saw very little of Peggy during tho next few months, for in the Autumn, she went on a round of Country house visits with Mrs St. Claire, and was seldom in London ior more than a week at a time. But he had vivid and enthusisatic letters from his sister, telling him of the girl’s social success, letters in which the names of ,

Peggy and Cyril were bracketed together as a matter of course. hi; Once again Christmas was drawing nigh; indeed, it wanted but two days to that joyous festival when Peace and Good-will abound and men feel more kindly disposed to one another than at any other season of - the yeai. Seated at 'a littered , writing-table in his study, his face haggard and white, his eyes staring unseeingly into space, was Philip Athelstane. He looked like a man who had passed through a severe mental strain and such was indeed the case. For many months his affairs had been in a had way, but now the crash had almost come, and unless he could pay down the enormous sum of three hundred thousand pounds, within a week, he was a. ruined man.

He knew no one who would lend him the money, for lie had not been, a, man to make friends, so that now in liis hour of need he had not a soul to whom he could turn for- help.

True, he had once possessed a very dear friend, George Brooke, his College chum, but he, alas! had gone under years ago in the strenuous tod of- life.

To remain in England and “face the music” was out of- the question. He knew that flight was a cowardly procedure, but he felt that ho eoiild not hear to see the finger of scorn pointed at him, nor to hear himself denounced or pitied, as the case might be, when the crash came.

He had, therefore, telephoned that afternoon for a berth (under an assumed name) in an outgoing liner and intended to leave Paddington that very night for Plymouih.

He felt, also, that it was better that he should not meet Peggy (who ivas expected home tho following day) again, for tho sight of her sweet face would only unman him and perhaps make him waver in his set resolve to see her and England no more. She did not want him now; she would soon have the protection of a husband: moreover, his bankruptcy would not affect her very much as the settlement he had mode 1 upon her was still’intact. -

He wrote the girl a tender letter of farewell, briefly explaining the reason for his departure, and wishing her all happiness in her new life. This he placed in a conspicuous place so that she could not fail to see it upon her return. Pretty Peggy would little know what it had cost him to write that letter or that the apparently conventional words were wrung from the soul of a heartbroken man. A little later he calmly told the footman to call a hansom, and after having Iris portmanteau placed upon it, drove away without offering any explanation to the astonished servant.

As he was driven through the streets Athelstane saw as in a dream, happy people making their Christmas purchases, and the shops with their brilliantly lighted windows glistening with imitation- frost and snow, with artificial holly and with all their goods temptingly set out to the best advantage.

The scene was an inevitable reminder of that never-to-be-forgotten Christinas fifteen years ago, when a little child had crept into his heart, bringing with her love and joy, and giving him a new interest in life, something to strive and work for. AVell, his labor of love was ended, bis mission Accomplished, and nothing now remained but to quietly efface himself out of her life for evor.

Ad whs .bustle and confusion on the deck of the great Australian liner as she lay at anchor in Plymouth Sound. Friends were ""bidding one another farewell, tearfully and otherwise; luggage, coils of rope, and folded deck chairs lav about in n chaotic mass, whilst officers were shouting orders, and the crew were nattering about with bare feet, here, there, and everywhere.

Philip Athelstane leant disconsolately over the rail, and watched the misty shore with gloomy eyes. In all human probability he would never see' his native land again, and the thought was naturally a sad one. Presently he felt a touch on the shoulder, and heard his name called excitedly, and upon looking hastily round, saw a man whose face he recognised immediatelv.

“George Brooke!” he exclaimed in amazement.. “Have we met at last after all these years! I feared you had crossed the border long ago! And shall I have the pleasure of your company during the voyage?” lie added, glancing doubtfully at the prosperouslooking man beside him.

“No ! I am not going to Australia —neither are you, for that matter, old fellow,” was the unexpo’tod reply. “The fact is, I am Peggy’s father, and when I arrived at your houso yesterday I found her in great distress over your letter. I've come to take you back, and put you on your feet again,” and this speech was accompanied by a hearty slap on the shoulder. “But, you don’t understand ! I am a ruined .man, George. Nothing but a cool three hundred thousand can save me > i ow,” explained Athelstanc. “Welt I can lend you twice that amount, man, for I am rich beyond even vour dreams of avarice, and longing to repay you for all you have dons for my eld'd/ Yes, I was in very low water this time fifteen’ years ago, but I had an offer to go to America, an offer I could not accept with, poor, motherless Peggy ou my hands. I had no money to pay anyone to look after her. and remembering your kind heart, I left her at your house, telling her that she must stop there and he a good girl until I returned. You loyally performed your duty and did not turn the unknown waif from your

door. Now, it is my turn to repay my debt of gratitude, and I am thankful that there is something I can do for you, my dear old friend,” said George Brooke heartily. Overcome with emotion, Athelstane could only press his chum’s hand for a moment in 'silence, then he said huskily:

“But, George, you had better let me continue my journey. You see, there is another reason that makes me wish to leave England. I love your little girl, George, not in a fatherly way as she imagines, but as a fever!”

'“And that is the light in which she regards you, old man, if I am not mistaken. Good gracious, you should have seen the way Peggy went on in the train as we travelled down. Why, she declared that she would never forgive me if I did not bring you back to her,” cried. Brooke. “Peggy is here? In Plymouth?” gasped Athelstane incredulously. “Yes, and waiting for you impatiently at the Royal Motel. Gome, let us hasten or we shall be carried out to sea willy-nilly.” And like a man in a dream, Atheist an e followed his friend to the gangOn reaching the hotel, Brooke led the way to his private sitting-room, and opened the door. - “Here is the truant, Peggy,” he cried gaily; then, with admirable tact, he quietly slipped out of the room. _ Athelstane took a few uncertain steps forward, and the next moment Peggy was in his arms. Such a 'lovely, blushing Peggy, with disordered hair, and eyes like drenched forget-me-nots. “Oh, Phil, Phil! how could you be so cruel as to leave me! I thought I should have died when I read your heartless -letter,” she sobbed, clinging to him a® if she were afraid of losing him again. Athelstane smoothed the ruffled hair gently as he gazed wistfully, longingly at her fair up-turned face. “But, my dear, you have no need of me now—.your future husband ” “'Oh, it’s all a mistake!” interrupted Peggy impatiently. “I am not going to marry anyone. Cyril asked me to be his wife months ago and 1 refused. I can’t think liow you got that idea into your foolish head.” “I certainly thought you were in love—in the summer,” lie said in surprise. “So I was, desperately, terribly in love, but not with Cyril,” answered Peggy emphatically, her pretty head drooping so that he oou!d_ not read her eyes. . “With whom' then?” asked Athelstane with a startled look. “If you cannot guess, I’m not going to tell you,” said the' girl, coloring hotly, her' eyes fixed with apparent interest upon a button on his coat. “You cannot mean me? But no, that is impossible!” muttered the man huskilv. “Why impossible!” she murmured softly.

“Because I am too old for you, child. I should make no fitting husband for a beautiful young girl; why, I am hut- a few years younger than vour father,” expostulated Athelstane weakly.

“You are the man I love, so nothing else matters,” whispered Peggy, nestling her golden head upon his breast as he strained her to him in a passionate embrace, whilst her eyes were aflame with an answering love so long repressed.

And. the benignant Spirit of Christmas smiled approvingly as he passed over that happy and united household the following day. Moreover, he entered into George Brooke’s susceptible heart causing him to behave so generously to his- old friend and his pretty daughter that Athelstane’s illluck was turned forthwith, and, rising Phoenix-like from amongst the ashes cf disaster and failure, his business increased and prospered a thousandfold.