A Romance Of Christmas

Sweet Josie stood with a thonghtful mein Before the glowing anthracite, Dreaming a happy wakJng dream She meant to make come true that night. " I do not think," she softly said, " If I should aak he would refuae; And. when the Chiistmas feast ia spread, Then love our cause shall win or lose." The spacious mansion shone with light, Heart-full of happiness the host; Of all the year fair Christin as night Held memories that moved him moBt. Around the feast glad faces beam, Low words and laughter idly drift; Then rose fair Josie, like some Queen - 11 My father, I would ask a gift. "This morning in my inother's hand You laid a bracelet richly rare; And Bcarcely you would understand That I for jewels did not care. " This morning gold and love you sent To many a home where they are scant; What I then said I really moant - Money is not the thing I want. " But if you would make Josie gay, And all her happiness bring back. Make life one long fair holiday, Then give her freely - Cousin Jack." Just for a moment one could see A shadow f all on every face; Then said the father, " I agree; That man must surely have soino grace " That Josle loves ao tenderly. 111 take liim on yonr word, my dear; Bid him come home froin over sea, And we will make him welcome erf1." " Then, friends, make room, I have a nest Wïio must not pleasaut welcome lack. Of Christmas gifts thia is thobefit- Come in aud bring it - Cousin Jack !" They met the aun-browned youth with joy, Aud Josie took. with grave delight, The hand of the brave sailor boy Who carne to her that Chris tm as night. - fforper"1 We&kfy,