1 00:00:00,680 --> 00:00:05,919 On Christmas Day in the morning, by Grace S. Richmond, And all 2 00:00:05,960 --> 00:00:11,240 the angels in heaven do sing on Christmas Day on Christmas Day, and all 3 00:00:11,279 --> 00:00:16,920 the bells in Earth do ring on Christmas Day in the morning, Old Son. 4 00:00:19,920 --> 00:00:24,679 That Christmas Day virtually began a whole year beforehand with a red hot letter 5 00:00:24,719 --> 00:00:29,160 written by Guy Fernald to his younger sister Nan, who had been married to 6 00:00:29,199 --> 00:00:34,039 Samuel Burnett just two and one half years. The letter was read aloud by 7 00:00:34,039 --> 00:00:38,280 Missus Burnett to her husband at the breakfast table the second day after Christmas. 8 00:00:38,840 --> 00:00:42,640 From start to finish, it was upon one subject, and it read as 9 00:00:42,679 --> 00:00:48,799 follows, Dear Nan, it's a confounded, full grown shame that not a 10 00:00:48,880 --> 00:00:52,880 soul of us all got home for Christmas, except yours truly, and he 11 00:00:53,119 --> 00:00:57,520 only for a couple of hours. What have the blessed old folks done to 12 00:00:57,679 --> 00:01:02,079 us that we treat them like this? I was invited to the Seawells for 13 00:01:02,119 --> 00:01:06,439 the first day and went. Of course, you know why. We had 14 00:01:06,480 --> 00:01:10,760 a ripping time. But along toward evening I began to feel worried. I 15 00:01:10,840 --> 00:01:14,359 really thought Ralph was home. He wrote me that he might swing round that 16 00:01:14,400 --> 00:01:17,480 way by the holidays, but I knew the rest of you were all wrapped 17 00:01:17,519 --> 00:01:21,200 up in your own Christmas trees and weren't going to get there. Well, 18 00:01:21,799 --> 00:01:25,719 I took the seven thirty down and walked in on them, sitting all alone 19 00:01:25,760 --> 00:01:30,000 by the fire by George, just like the pictures you see of the birds 20 00:01:30,040 --> 00:01:34,640 all flown and that sort of thing. I felt gulpish in my throat on 21 00:01:34,760 --> 00:01:38,799 my honor, I did when I looked at them. Mother just gave one 22 00:01:38,879 --> 00:01:42,120 gasp and flew into my arms. And Dad got up more slowly. He 23 00:01:42,239 --> 00:01:47,439 had that darned rheumatism worse than ever this winter, and came over, and 24 00:01:47,560 --> 00:01:52,079 I thought he'd shake my hand off. Well. I sat down between them 25 00:01:52,079 --> 00:01:55,480 by the fire, and pretty soon I got down in the old way on 26 00:01:55,560 --> 00:01:59,439 a cushion by Mother and let her run her fingers through my hair the way 27 00:01:59,439 --> 00:02:04,200 she used to do, and nan, I'll be indicted for perjury if her 28 00:02:04,200 --> 00:02:07,240 hand wasn't trembling. They were so glad to see me it made my throat 29 00:02:07,240 --> 00:02:12,800 ache. Ralph had written he couldn't get round, And of course you'd all 30 00:02:12,840 --> 00:02:16,439 written and sent them things, jolly things, and they appreciated them, but 31 00:02:17,840 --> 00:02:22,800 blame it all. They were just dead lonesome, and the whole outfit of 32 00:02:22,879 --> 00:02:29,360 us within three hundred miles, most within thirty. Nan, Next Christmas is 33 00:02:29,439 --> 00:02:32,680 going to be different, That's all I say. I've got it all planned 34 00:02:32,719 --> 00:02:37,319 out. The idea popped into my head when I came away last night. 35 00:02:38,120 --> 00:02:42,560 Not that they had a word of blame. Not they They understood all about 36 00:02:42,599 --> 00:02:46,439 the children and the cold snap and Ed's being under the weather, and Oliver's 37 00:02:46,439 --> 00:02:51,919 wife's Neuralgia, and Ralph's girl in the west and all that, but that 38 00:02:52,080 --> 00:02:55,960 didn't make the thing any easier for them. As I say, next year, 39 00:02:57,919 --> 00:03:00,800 but you'll all hear from me then. Meanwhile, run down and see 40 00:03:00,800 --> 00:03:05,719 them once or twice this winter, will you, Nan. Somehow it struck 41 00:03:05,719 --> 00:03:09,840 me that they aren't so young as they used to be. Splendid winter weather, 42 00:03:10,360 --> 00:03:14,919 Margaret Sewell's a peach, but I don't seem to make much headway. 43 00:03:15,719 --> 00:03:22,520 My best to Sam, your affectionate brother. Guy. Gay Nan had felt 44 00:03:22,520 --> 00:03:25,639 a slight choking in her own throat as she read this letter. We really 45 00:03:25,719 --> 00:03:30,199 must make an effort to be their Christmas next year, Sam, she said 46 00:03:30,240 --> 00:03:34,680 to her husband, and Sam assented cheerfully. He only wished there were a 47 00:03:34,719 --> 00:03:38,039 father and mother somewhere in the world for him to go home to. Guy 48 00:03:38,120 --> 00:03:42,800 wrote the same sort of thing with more or less detail, to Edson and 49 00:03:42,879 --> 00:03:46,520 Oliver, his married elder brothers, to Ralph, his unmarried brother, and 50 00:03:46,599 --> 00:03:53,080 to Caroline missus Charles Wetmore, his other and elder married sister. He received 51 00:03:53,159 --> 00:03:58,240 varied and more or less sympathetic responses to the effect that with so many little 52 00:03:58,280 --> 00:04:02,479 children and such snow drifts as always blocked the roads leading toward Northeasterbrook, it 53 00:04:02,560 --> 00:04:06,840 really was not strange, and of course somebody would go next year. But 54 00:04:06,879 --> 00:04:12,360 they had all sent the nicest gifts they could find. Didn't Guy think mother 55 00:04:12,560 --> 00:04:15,879 liked those beautiful Russian sables Ralph sent her, And wasn't father pleased with his 56 00:04:15,959 --> 00:04:21,120 gold headed cane from Oliver? Surely, with such presence pouring in from all 57 00:04:21,120 --> 00:04:28,920 the children, father and mother, Fernald couldn't feel so awfully neglected gold headed 58 00:04:29,040 --> 00:04:32,079 cane be hanged. Guy exploded when he read this last sentence from the letter 59 00:04:32,160 --> 00:04:35,759 of Marian, Oliver's wife. I'll bet she put him up to it. 60 00:04:36,480 --> 00:04:42,040 If anybody dares give me a gold headed cane before I'm ninety five, I'll 61 00:04:42,079 --> 00:04:46,959 thrash him with it on the spot. He wasn't using it either, bless 62 00:04:46,000 --> 00:04:50,160 him. He has his old hickory stick, and he wouldn't have had that 63 00:04:50,319 --> 00:04:56,120 if that abominable rheumatism hadn't gripped him so hard. He isn't old enough to 64 00:04:56,199 --> 00:05:00,079 use a cane, by jolly and all ought to know it. If if 65 00:05:00,160 --> 00:05:03,439 Marian doesn't, I'm glad I sent him that typewriter. He liked that, 66 00:05:04,000 --> 00:05:09,279 I know he did, and it'll amuse him too, not to make him 67 00:05:09,319 --> 00:05:14,600 think he's ready to die. Guy was not the fellow to forget anything which 68 00:05:14,639 --> 00:05:18,240 had taken hold of him, as that pathetic Christmas home coming had done. 69 00:05:18,399 --> 00:05:21,920 When the year had nearly rolled around, the first of December saw him at 70 00:05:21,920 --> 00:05:27,360 work getting his plans in train. He began with his eldest brother Oliver, 71 00:05:27,839 --> 00:05:31,079 because he considered missus Oliver the hardest proposition he had to tackle in the carrying 72 00:05:31,160 --> 00:05:39,120 out of his idea. You see, he expounded patiently as they sat and 73 00:05:39,199 --> 00:05:43,160 stared at him. It isn't that they aren't always awfully glad to see the 74 00:05:43,160 --> 00:05:46,959 whole outfit, children and all, but it just struck me it would do 75 00:05:46,040 --> 00:05:49,560 him a lot of good to revive old times. I thought, if we 76 00:05:49,560 --> 00:05:54,199 could make it just as much as possible, like one of the old Christmases 77 00:05:54,240 --> 00:05:58,319 before anybody got married, hang up the stockings and all, you know, 78 00:05:58,959 --> 00:06:01,879 it would give them a mighty jolly surprise. I planned to have us all 79 00:06:01,879 --> 00:06:05,600 creep in in the night and go to bed in our old rooms, and 80 00:06:05,639 --> 00:06:13,120 then in the morning see Missus Oliver looked at him, an eager, flush 81 00:06:13,240 --> 00:06:16,959 lit his still boyish face. Guy was twenty eight, and his blue eyes 82 00:06:16,959 --> 00:06:23,360 were very bright. His lithe muscular figure bent toward her pleadingly. All his 83 00:06:23,519 --> 00:06:28,639 arguments were aimed at her. Oliver sat back in his impassive way and watched 84 00:06:28,680 --> 00:06:32,040 them both. It could not be denied that it was Marian's decisions, which 85 00:06:32,120 --> 00:06:38,519 usually ruled in matters of this sort. It seems to me a very strange 86 00:06:38,600 --> 00:06:42,800 plan. Was Missus Oliver's comment. When Guy had laid the whole thing before 87 00:06:42,839 --> 00:06:46,959 her in the most tactful manner he could command, she spoke rather coldly. 88 00:06:46,720 --> 00:06:49,800 It is not usual to think that family should be broken up like the sun 89 00:06:49,879 --> 00:06:56,560 Christmas Day of old days in the year four families with some one gone, 90 00:06:57,000 --> 00:07:00,319 a mother or a father, just to please to elder people who expect nothing 91 00:07:00,360 --> 00:07:03,720 of the sort, and who understand just why we can't all get home at 92 00:07:03,720 --> 00:07:11,079 once. Don't you think you are really asking a good deal? Guy kept 93 00:07:11,079 --> 00:07:14,680 his temper, though it was hard work. It doesn't seem to me, 94 00:07:14,839 --> 00:07:18,199 I am, he answered, quite gently, it's only for once. I 95 00:07:18,240 --> 00:07:21,879 really don't think father and mother would care much what sort of presence we brought 96 00:07:21,879 --> 00:07:27,839 them, if only we came ourselves. Of course, I know I'm asking 97 00:07:27,839 --> 00:07:30,720 a sacrifice of each family, and it may seem almost an insult not to 98 00:07:30,759 --> 00:07:35,160 invite the children it all. Yet, perhaps next year we'll try gathering of 99 00:07:35,199 --> 00:07:41,319 all the clans, But just for this year, honestly, I do awfully 100 00:07:41,360 --> 00:07:46,639 wish you'd give me my way if you'd seen those two last Christmas. He 101 00:07:46,720 --> 00:07:50,839 broke off, glancing appealingly at Oliver himself, To his surprise, that gentleman 102 00:07:50,920 --> 00:07:55,759 shifted his pipe to a corner of his mouth and put a few pertinent questions 103 00:07:55,759 --> 00:08:00,240 to his younger brother. Had he thought it all out? What time should 104 00:08:00,240 --> 00:08:03,040 they arrive there? How early on the day after Christmas? Could they get 105 00:08:03,079 --> 00:08:07,319 away? Was he positive they could all crowd into the house without rousing and 106 00:08:07,360 --> 00:08:15,399 alarming the pair sure thing, Guy declared quickly. Marietta. Well, you 107 00:08:15,480 --> 00:08:18,319 know I've had the soft side of her old heart ever since I was born. 108 00:08:18,639 --> 00:08:22,480 Somehow, I talked it all over with her last year, and I'm 109 00:08:22,519 --> 00:08:26,480 solid with her. All right. She'll work the game. You see. 110 00:08:26,720 --> 00:08:31,759 Father's quite a bit deaf, now, father deaf? Sure, didn't you 111 00:08:31,840 --> 00:08:39,240 know it forgotten? But mother'd hear us. No, she wouldn't. Don't 112 00:08:39,279 --> 00:08:41,879 you know how she trusts everything about the house to Marietta since she got that 113 00:08:41,960 --> 00:08:48,840 fall. Mother got a fall? Why, yes, Guy stared at his 114 00:08:48,879 --> 00:08:54,240 brother with some impatience. Don't you remember she fell down the back stairs a 115 00:08:54,320 --> 00:08:58,799 year ago, last October and hurt her knee. Certainly, Oliver his wife, 116 00:08:58,799 --> 00:09:03,320 and post I wrote for you to tell her how sorry we were, 117 00:09:03,840 --> 00:09:09,240 but I supposed she'd entirely recovered. She's a bit lame and always will be, 118 00:09:09,519 --> 00:09:13,840 said Guy, a touch of reproach in his voice. Her niece stiffens 119 00:09:13,919 --> 00:09:16,039 up in the night, and she doesn't get up and go prowling about at 120 00:09:16,039 --> 00:09:20,480 the least noise the way she used to. Marietta won't let her. So 121 00:09:20,639 --> 00:09:24,799 if we make a whisper of noise, Mariette'll tell her it's the cat or 122 00:09:24,799 --> 00:09:28,360 something good. Lord, Yes, it can be worked, all right. 123 00:09:30,039 --> 00:09:31,840 The only thing that worries me is the fear that I can't get all of 124 00:09:31,840 --> 00:09:37,360 you to take hold of the scheme on my word all. He turned quite 125 00:09:37,360 --> 00:09:41,120 away from his sister in law's critical gaze and faced his brother with something like 126 00:09:41,159 --> 00:09:46,360 indignation in his frank young eyes. Don't we owe the old home anything but 127 00:09:46,399 --> 00:09:50,480 a present tied up in tissue paper once a year. Marian began to speak. 128 00:09:50,960 --> 00:09:54,320 She thought Guy was exceeding his rights and talking as if they had been 129 00:09:54,320 --> 00:09:58,679 at fault. It was not often that elderly people had so many children within 130 00:09:58,759 --> 00:10:03,399 call, loyal children who would do anything within reason. But certainly a man 131 00:10:03,480 --> 00:10:09,720 owed something to his own family and at Christmas? Why not carry out this 132 00:10:09,840 --> 00:10:15,519 plan at some other Her husband abruptly interrupted her. He took his pipe quite 133 00:10:15,600 --> 00:10:20,240 out of his mouth and spoke decidedly. Guy, I believe you're right. 134 00:10:20,919 --> 00:10:24,399 I'll be sorry to desert my own kids, of course, but I rather 135 00:10:24,440 --> 00:10:26,919 think they can stand it for once. If the others fall into line, 136 00:10:28,159 --> 00:10:33,159 you may count on me. Guy got away, feeling that the worst part 137 00:10:33,159 --> 00:10:37,399 of his troubles was over. In his younger sister Nan. He hoped to 138 00:10:37,440 --> 00:10:43,080 find an ardent ally, and he was not disappointed. Caroline missus Charles Wetmore 139 00:10:43,399 --> 00:10:48,159 also fell in heartily with the plan. Ralph from somewhere in the far West 140 00:10:48,559 --> 00:10:52,000 wrote that he would get home or break a leg edson thought the idea rather 141 00:10:52,039 --> 00:10:56,279 a foolish one, but was persuaded by Jessica, his wife, whom Guy 142 00:10:56,360 --> 00:11:01,759 privately declared a trump that he must go by all means. And so they 143 00:11:01,799 --> 00:11:05,799 all fell into line, and there remained for Guy only the working out of 144 00:11:05,840 --> 00:11:13,799 the details. Miss Fernald Marietta coolly strove with all the decision with which she 145 00:11:13,879 --> 00:11:18,240 was capable to keep her high pitched middle aged voice. In order for you 146 00:11:18,360 --> 00:11:22,039 get to bed, I most forget him what I was to ask you. 147 00:11:22,799 --> 00:11:26,240 I s'pose you'll laugh. But Guy, he wrote me particular, he wanted 148 00:11:26,279 --> 00:11:31,600 you and his father to Marietta's rather stern, thin face took on a curious 149 00:11:31,679 --> 00:11:39,799 expression to hang up your stockings. Miss Fernald paused in the doorway of the 150 00:11:39,799 --> 00:11:43,720 bedroom opening from the sitting room downstairs. She looked back at Marietta with her 151 00:11:43,759 --> 00:11:50,919 gentle smile. Guy wrote that she asked, then it almost looks as if 152 00:11:50,919 --> 00:11:54,960 he might be coming himself, doesn't it, Marietta. Well, I don't 153 00:11:54,960 --> 00:12:00,159 know, as i'd really expect him, Marietta replied, turning her face away 154 00:12:00,200 --> 00:12:03,639 and busying herself about the hearth. I guess what he meant was more in 155 00:12:03,639 --> 00:12:07,159 the way of a surprise for Christmas present, something that i'll go in the 156 00:12:07,200 --> 00:12:13,159 stockin'. Maybe it's rather odd he should have written you to ask me, 157 00:12:13,720 --> 00:12:20,879 mused missus Ernold as she looked out the stockings. Marietta considered rapidly, well, 158 00:12:20,600 --> 00:12:24,240 I s'pose he intended for me to get him on the sly without mentioning 159 00:12:24,320 --> 00:12:28,240 it to you and put him what he sent. But I sort of guessed 160 00:12:28,279 --> 00:12:31,679 you might like to fall in with his id by hangin em up yourself. 161 00:12:33,039 --> 00:12:35,840 Here by the chimbly where the children all used to do it. Here's the 162 00:12:35,919 --> 00:12:41,960 nails, same as they always was. Miss Fernald found the stockings and touched 163 00:12:41,960 --> 00:12:48,000 her husband on the shoulder as he sat unlacing his shoes. Father Guy wrote, 164 00:12:48,039 --> 00:12:52,720 he wanted us to hang up our stockings, she said, raising her 165 00:12:52,759 --> 00:12:56,600 voice a little and speaking very distinctly. The elderly man beside her looked up, 166 00:12:56,679 --> 00:13:01,440 smiling, well, well, he said anything to please the boy. 167 00:13:03,120 --> 00:13:05,559 It doesn't seem more than a year since he was a little fellow hanging up 168 00:13:05,559 --> 00:13:11,720 his own stocking, does it, mother? The stockings were hung in silence. 169 00:13:11,240 --> 00:13:16,159 They looked thin and lonely as they dangled beside the dying fire. Marietta 170 00:13:16,200 --> 00:13:20,759 hastened to make them less lonely. Well, she said, in a shamefaced 171 00:13:20,799 --> 00:13:26,440 way. The silly boy said, I was to hang mine too. Goodness 172 00:13:26,440 --> 00:13:28,679 knows what he'll find to put into it that'll fit less. It's a poker. 173 00:13:31,039 --> 00:13:33,240 They smiled kindly at her, wished her good night, and went back 174 00:13:33,279 --> 00:13:39,320 into their own room. The little episode had aroused no suspicions. It was 175 00:13:39,480 --> 00:13:46,240 very like guy's affectionate boyishness. I presume he'll be down, said missus Fernald, 176 00:13:46,480 --> 00:13:50,519 as she limped quietly about the room, making ready for bed. Don't 177 00:13:50,559 --> 00:13:54,000 you remember how he surprised us last year. I'm sorry the others can't come, 178 00:13:54,600 --> 00:13:58,919 of course, I sent them all the invitation, just as usual. 179 00:13:58,480 --> 00:14:03,720 I shall all do that, but it is pretty snowy weather, and I 180 00:14:03,759 --> 00:14:07,279 suppose they don't quite like to risk it. Presently, as she was putting 181 00:14:07,279 --> 00:14:13,320 out the light, she heard Marietta at the door, Miss Fernald, Peter 182 00:14:13,399 --> 00:14:16,759 Piper's got back in this part of the house somehow, and I can't lay 183 00:14:16,799 --> 00:14:20,639 hands on him. Beats all. How cute that cat is, seems if 184 00:14:20,679 --> 00:14:24,399 he knows when I'm going to put him out in the wood shed, I 185 00:14:24,399 --> 00:14:28,039 don't think likely he'll do no harm. But I thought i'd tell you so. 186 00:14:28,200 --> 00:14:31,840 If you heard any queer noises in the night, you'd know it was 187 00:14:31,879 --> 00:14:35,919 Peter. Very well, Marietta. The soft voice came back to the schemer 188 00:14:35,919 --> 00:14:39,480 on the other side of the door. Peter will be all right wherever he 189 00:14:39,639 --> 00:14:45,080 is. I sha'n't be alarmed if I hear him, All right, miss 190 00:14:45,120 --> 00:14:48,559 ernuld I just thought i'd let you know. And the guileful one went grinning 191 00:14:48,559 --> 00:14:56,440 away. There was a long silence in the quiet sleeping room. Then out 192 00:14:56,480 --> 00:15:03,600 of the darkness came this little colloquy, Emmeline, you aren't going to sleep. 193 00:15:05,159 --> 00:15:11,720 I know I'm not. John. I Christmas Eve keeps one awake somehow, 194 00:15:13,320 --> 00:15:20,600 it always did. Yes, I don't suppose the children realize it all, 195 00:15:20,759 --> 00:15:26,080 do they? Oh? No, oh no, they don't realize. 196 00:15:26,559 --> 00:15:33,200 They never will till they're hear themselves. It's all right, I think. 197 00:15:33,000 --> 00:15:37,240 I think at least guy will be down tomorrow, don't you No, I 198 00:15:37,279 --> 00:15:43,159 guess maybe he will. Then, after a short silence, Mother, You've 199 00:15:43,200 --> 00:15:48,279 always got me, you know, you know you've always got me. Dear, 200 00:15:50,039 --> 00:15:54,080 Yes, she would not let him hear the sob in her voice. 201 00:15:54,720 --> 00:15:58,279 She crept close and spoke cheerfully in his best ear. And you've always got 202 00:15:58,279 --> 00:16:04,799 me, Johnny boy, Thank the Lord, I have so counting their blessings. 203 00:16:04,840 --> 00:16:08,799 They fell asleep at last, but even in sleep, one set of 204 00:16:08,879 --> 00:16:18,039 lashes was strangely wet. Christopher jenks, what a drift? Lucky we weren't 205 00:16:18,039 --> 00:16:23,080 two hours later, sh they might hear us, Nan, stop laughing, 206 00:16:23,320 --> 00:16:27,600 or I'll drop a snowball down your neck. Here, Carol, give me 207 00:16:27,679 --> 00:16:32,799 your hand. I'll plow you through large bodies. Move slowly, of course, 208 00:16:32,840 --> 00:16:37,960 but go elbows first and you'll get there. Gee, whiz, can't 209 00:16:37,960 --> 00:16:42,120 you get that door open? I'll be frozen fast? A light showed inside 210 00:16:42,120 --> 00:16:47,600 the kitchen. The storm door swung open, propelled by force. From inside. 211 00:16:48,399 --> 00:16:52,879 A cautious voice said low that the Fernald family. A chorus of whispers 212 00:16:52,919 --> 00:16:57,120 came back at Miss Marrietta Coolie, Yes, yes, let us in we're 213 00:16:57,159 --> 00:17:02,559 freezing, you bet with the fer an old family, every man jack of 214 00:17:02,639 --> 00:17:07,759 us, not one missing. Oh Marietta, you dear old thing, hurry 215 00:17:07,880 --> 00:17:12,720 up. This is their side of the house. Sh Carol, Your shushes 216 00:17:12,759 --> 00:17:18,680 would wake the dead stumbling over their own feet and bundles. In the endeavor 217 00:17:18,720 --> 00:17:22,880 to be perternaturally quiet, the crew poured into the warm kitchen, Bearded Oliver, 218 00:17:23,160 --> 00:17:27,359 the oldest of the clan, stout edson, Big Ralph, tall and 219 00:17:27,400 --> 00:17:33,200 slender Guy, and the two daughters of the house Caroline growing plump and rosy 220 00:17:33,240 --> 00:17:37,880 at thirty, Nan slim and girlish at twenty four. They were all there. 221 00:17:37,880 --> 00:17:42,400 Marietta heaved a sigh of content as she looked them over. Well, 222 00:17:42,759 --> 00:17:48,119 I really didn't think you'd get here, all of you, Thank the Lord 223 00:17:48,200 --> 00:17:52,920 you have. I suppose you're tearin' hungry, beIN past eleven. If you 224 00:17:52,960 --> 00:17:56,000 think you can eat quiet as cats, I'll feed you up. But if 225 00:17:56,039 --> 00:17:57,920 you're going to make as much rumpus as you did coming round the corner of 226 00:17:57,960 --> 00:18:00,799 the woodshed, I'll have to pay you straight off to bed up the back 227 00:18:00,839 --> 00:18:07,599 stairs. They pleaded for mercy and hot food. They got it. Everything 228 00:18:07,599 --> 00:18:11,000 that could be had that would diffuse. No order of cookery through the house, 229 00:18:11,759 --> 00:18:15,000 smoking clam broth, a great pot of baked beans, cold meats, 230 00:18:15,039 --> 00:18:19,119 and jellies. They had no reason to complain of their reception. They ate 231 00:18:19,200 --> 00:18:25,039 hungrily with the appetites of winter travel. Say, but this is great, 232 00:18:25,400 --> 00:18:29,920 exulted Ralph the Stalwart, consuming a huge wedge of mince pie, with a 233 00:18:29,960 --> 00:18:34,559 fine disregard for any consequences that might overtake him. This alone is worth it. 234 00:18:36,079 --> 00:18:38,920 I haven't eaten such pie in a sentry. What a jolly place as 235 00:18:38,960 --> 00:18:44,400 old kitchen is. Let's have a candy pull tomorrow. I haven't been home 236 00:18:44,480 --> 00:18:48,680 Christmas in Let me see, by jove, I believe it's six seven, 237 00:18:49,079 --> 00:18:53,279 yes, seven years. Look here, there's been some excuse for me. 238 00:18:53,599 --> 00:18:59,759 But what about you people that live near? He looked accusingly about Carolyn got 239 00:18:59,880 --> 00:19:03,079 up and came around to him. Don't talk about it tonight, she whispered. 240 00:19:03,599 --> 00:19:07,680 We haven't any of us realized how long it's been. We'll get off 241 00:19:07,680 --> 00:19:11,559 to bed now, guy declared, rising. I can't get over the feeling 242 00:19:11,599 --> 00:19:15,279 that they may catch us down here if either of them should want some hot 243 00:19:15,319 --> 00:19:21,880 water or anything. The dining room door's bolted, Marietta assured him, But 244 00:19:21,960 --> 00:19:23,640 it might be explainin' if I had to bring em hot water by way of 245 00:19:23,640 --> 00:19:29,640 the parlor. Now go awful careful up them stairs. They're pretty near over 246 00:19:29,680 --> 00:19:33,440 your ma's head. But I don't dare have you tramped through the settin' room 247 00:19:33,440 --> 00:19:37,839 to the front ones. Now remember that seventh stair creaks like ned. You've 248 00:19:37,880 --> 00:19:41,000 got to step right on the outside edge. If it's to keep quiet. 249 00:19:41,799 --> 00:19:45,160 I don't know, but what you boys better step right over that seventh stair 250 00:19:45,200 --> 00:19:52,079 without touching foot to it. All right, we'll step Who's going to fix 251 00:19:52,119 --> 00:19:56,319 the bundles? Caroline paused to ask as she started up the stairs. Marietta 252 00:19:56,440 --> 00:20:00,720 guy answered, I've labeled every one, so be easy. If they hear 253 00:20:00,759 --> 00:20:04,440 paper rattle, they'll think it's the usual presence we've sent on. And if 254 00:20:04,440 --> 00:20:08,079 they come out, they'll see Marietta. So it's all right. Quite now, 255 00:20:08,559 --> 00:20:14,240 remember the seventh stare. They crept up, one by one, each 256 00:20:14,319 --> 00:20:18,039 to his or her old room. There needed to be no doubling up, 257 00:20:18,119 --> 00:20:22,160 for the house was large and each room had been left precisely as its owner 258 00:20:22,200 --> 00:20:27,279 had left it. It was rather ghostly. This stealing silently about with candles, 259 00:20:27,599 --> 00:20:30,839 and in the necessity for the suppression of speech, the animation of the 260 00:20:30,880 --> 00:20:36,799 party rather suffered eclipse. It was late and they were beginning to be sleepy, 261 00:20:37,079 --> 00:20:41,640 so they were soon in bed, but somehow, once composed for slumber, 262 00:20:41,160 --> 00:20:47,200 more than one grew wakeful again. Guy, lying staring at a patch 263 00:20:47,200 --> 00:20:51,839 of wintry moonlight on the odd striped paper of his wall. It had stopped 264 00:20:51,839 --> 00:20:55,119 snowing since they had come into the house, and the clouds had broken away, 265 00:20:55,680 --> 00:21:00,240 leaving a brilliant sky, discovered his door to be softly opening. The 266 00:21:00,240 --> 00:21:03,799 glimmer of a candle flickered through the crack, and a voice whispered his name. 267 00:21:03,759 --> 00:21:08,200 Who is it? He answered under his breath, it's Nan. May 268 00:21:08,200 --> 00:21:15,000 I come in? Of course? What's up? Nothing? I wanted to 269 00:21:15,039 --> 00:21:19,559 talk a minute. She came noiselessly in wrapped in a wooly scarlet Kimano scarlet, 270 00:21:19,599 --> 00:21:23,759 slippers on her feet, her brown braids hanging down her back. The 271 00:21:23,839 --> 00:21:29,240 frost bloom lately on her cheeks had melted into a ruddy glow. Her eyes 272 00:21:29,279 --> 00:21:33,400 were stars. She set her candle on the little stand and sat down on 273 00:21:33,400 --> 00:21:37,000 the edge of Guy's bed. He raised himself on his elbow and lie looking 274 00:21:37,000 --> 00:21:42,400 appreciatively at her. This is like old times, he said, But won't 275 00:21:42,400 --> 00:21:47,240 you be cold? Not a bit. I'm only going to stay a minute 276 00:21:48,279 --> 00:21:52,519 anyhow. This thing is warm as toast. Yes, isn't it like old 277 00:21:52,519 --> 00:21:59,319 times? Got your lessons for tomorrow? She laughed. All but my caesar, 278 00:21:59,759 --> 00:22:03,880 you'll help me with that in the morning, won't you sure? If 279 00:22:03,920 --> 00:22:10,599 you'll make some cushions for my Bob's I will. Guy, how's Lucy Harper? 280 00:22:11,759 --> 00:22:15,599 She's all right? How's Bob Fields? Oh? I don't care for 281 00:22:15,720 --> 00:22:21,440 him now? She tossed her head. He kept up the play like Dave's 282 00:22:21,440 --> 00:22:26,640 strong better? Eh, he's a softie he isn't. Oh, Guy, 283 00:22:26,759 --> 00:22:32,440 I heard you had a new girl. New girl nothing? Don't care for 284 00:22:32,519 --> 00:22:37,200 girls? Yes, you do, at least I think you do. Her 285 00:22:37,319 --> 00:22:44,799 name's Margaret. The play ceased abruptly. Guy's face changed. Perhaps I do, 286 00:22:45,079 --> 00:22:48,720 he murmured, while his sister watched him in the candlelight. She won't 287 00:22:48,759 --> 00:22:56,000 answer yet, she asked, very gently, Not a word. You've cared 288 00:22:56,000 --> 00:23:00,920 a good while, haven't you, dear? Seems like ages. Suppose it 289 00:23:00,000 --> 00:23:07,519 isn't. No, only two years really caring? Hard, plenty of time 290 00:23:07,599 --> 00:23:12,759 left. He moved his head impatiently. Yes, if I didn't mind seeing 291 00:23:12,799 --> 00:23:18,839 her smile on Tommy Gower, Dal'll take him just as sweetly as she smiles 292 00:23:18,880 --> 00:23:22,440 on me. If she ever held out the tip of her finger to me, 293 00:23:22,880 --> 00:23:26,119 I'd seize it and hold on to it for fair. But she doesn't, 294 00:23:26,839 --> 00:23:30,119 she won't. And she's going south next week for the rest of the 295 00:23:30,160 --> 00:23:33,960 winter. And there's a fellow down there in South Carolina where she goes. 296 00:23:34,640 --> 00:23:41,279 Oh, he he's red headed after her like the rest of us. And 297 00:23:41,680 --> 00:23:45,319 well, I'm up against it, good and hard, Nan, And that's 298 00:23:45,359 --> 00:23:51,559 the truth, poor boy. And you gave up going to see her on 299 00:23:51,640 --> 00:23:56,079 Christmas Day and came down here into the country just to just to get even 300 00:23:56,119 --> 00:24:00,519 with myself for the way I've neglected on these two years while my heads been 301 00:24:00,559 --> 00:24:06,599 so full of her. It isn't there. After last year. I'd have 302 00:24:06,680 --> 00:24:10,400 come home to day if it had meant I had to lose. Well, 303 00:24:11,359 --> 00:24:15,680 Margaret knows i'm here. I don't know what she thinks. I don't believe 304 00:24:15,759 --> 00:24:22,000 guy boy, she thinks the less of you. Yes, I must go. 305 00:24:22,759 --> 00:24:26,240 It will all come right in the end, dear. I'm sure of 306 00:24:26,279 --> 00:24:32,759 it. No, I don't know how Margaret feels. Good Night, good 307 00:24:32,839 --> 00:24:41,039 night, Christmas morning breaking upon a wintry world, the star in the east 308 00:24:41,160 --> 00:24:45,400 long set outside the house, a great silence of drift wrapped hill and plain 309 00:24:47,319 --> 00:24:49,839 inside, a crackling fire, upon a wide hearth, and a pair of 310 00:24:49,880 --> 00:24:56,079 elderly people waking to a lonely holiday. Missus Vernald crept to the door of 311 00:24:56,119 --> 00:25:00,680 her room. The injured knee always made walking difficult. After night it's quiet. 312 00:25:00,720 --> 00:25:03,359 She meant to sit down by the fire, which she had lately heard 313 00:25:03,359 --> 00:25:08,680 Marietta stirring and feeding into activity, and warm herself at its flame. She 314 00:25:08,799 --> 00:25:12,559 remembered with a sad little smile that she and John had hung their stockings there, 315 00:25:14,200 --> 00:25:18,240 and looked to see what miracle had been wrought in the night father. 316 00:25:19,200 --> 00:25:25,319 Her voice caught in her throat. What was all this? By some mysterious 317 00:25:25,319 --> 00:25:27,880 influence? Her husband learned that she was calling him, though he had not 318 00:25:29,039 --> 00:25:33,119 really heard. He came to the door and looked at her, then at 319 00:25:33,119 --> 00:25:37,279 the chimney piece where the stockings hung, a long row of them, as 320 00:25:37,319 --> 00:25:41,200 they had not hung since the children grew up. Stockings of quality, one 321 00:25:41,200 --> 00:25:48,519 of brown silk NaN's a fine gray sock with scarlet clocks. Ralph's all stuffed 322 00:25:48,559 --> 00:25:52,720 to the top, with bundles overflowing upon the chimney piece and even to the 323 00:25:52,759 --> 00:26:00,039 floor below. What's this? What's this? John? Ernard's voice was puzzled. 324 00:26:00,880 --> 00:26:06,640 Whose are these? He limped closer. He put on his spectacles and 325 00:26:06,720 --> 00:26:11,359 stared hard at a parcel protruding from the sock with the scarlet clocks. Merry 326 00:26:11,440 --> 00:26:18,160 Christmas to Ralph from Nan, he read, to Ralph, from Nan, 327 00:26:18,880 --> 00:26:23,799 he repeated, vaguely. His gaze turned to his wife. His eyes were 328 00:26:23,839 --> 00:26:27,759 wide like a child's. But she was getting to her feet from the chair 329 00:26:27,799 --> 00:26:34,079 into which she had dropped the children. She was saying, they, they, 330 00:26:36,440 --> 00:26:41,319 John, they must be here. He followed her through the chilly hall 331 00:26:41,359 --> 00:26:45,440 to the front staircase, seldom used now, and up as rapidly as those 332 00:26:45,440 --> 00:26:51,640 slow, stiff joints would allow. Trembling Missus Vernald pushed open the first door. 333 00:26:51,680 --> 00:26:55,720 At the top, A rumpled brown head raised itself from among the pillows. 334 00:26:56,240 --> 00:26:59,640 A pair of sleepy but affectionate brown eyes smiled back at the two faces 335 00:26:59,680 --> 00:27:04,119 peering in, and a voice brimful of mirth cried softly Merry Christmas, Memmi 336 00:27:04,160 --> 00:27:11,000 and Daddy. They stared at her, their eyes growing misty. It was 337 00:27:11,039 --> 00:27:15,240 their little daughter Nan, not yet grown up. They could not believe it, 338 00:27:15,920 --> 00:27:19,279 even when they had been to every room, had seen their big son 339 00:27:19,400 --> 00:27:25,759 Ralph still sleeping, his yet youthful face full of healthy color pillowed on his 340 00:27:25,880 --> 00:27:30,440 brawny arm, and his mother had gently kissed him awake to be half strangled 341 00:27:30,440 --> 00:27:33,680 in his hug. When they had met Edson's hearty laugh as he fired a 342 00:27:33,720 --> 00:27:37,880 pillow at them, carefully so that his father could catch it. When they 343 00:27:37,920 --> 00:27:41,440 had seen plump pretty Carol putting on her stockings as she sat on the floor, 344 00:27:41,440 --> 00:27:45,960 smiling up at them, Oliver advancing to meet them in his bathrobe and 345 00:27:47,039 --> 00:27:52,440 slippers, Guy holding out both arms from above his blankets and shouting Merry Christmas, 346 00:27:53,000 --> 00:27:56,640 and how do you like your children? Even then it was difficult to 347 00:27:56,680 --> 00:28:02,720 realize that not one was missing, and no one else was there. Unconsciously, 348 00:28:02,759 --> 00:28:07,200 missus Fernold found herself looking about for the sons, wise and daughter's husbands 349 00:28:07,200 --> 00:28:11,599 and children. She loved them all yet to have her own, and no 350 00:28:11,799 --> 00:28:18,720 others, just for this one day. It was happiness. Indeed, when 351 00:28:18,720 --> 00:28:22,720 they were all downstairs about the fire. There was great rejoicing they had Marietta 352 00:28:22,799 --> 00:28:27,480 in. Indeed, she had been hovering continuously in the background to the apparently 353 00:28:27,559 --> 00:28:33,160 frightful jeopardy of the breakfast in preparation upon which nevertheless she had managed to keep 354 00:28:33,160 --> 00:28:38,680 a practiced eye. And were you in it, Marietta, Mister Fernold said 355 00:28:38,680 --> 00:28:42,559 to her, in astonishment when he first saw her, How in the world 356 00:28:42,559 --> 00:28:48,160 did you get all these people into the house and to bed without waking us? 357 00:28:48,119 --> 00:28:52,400 It was pretty considerable of a ResQue, Marietta replied, with modest pride, 358 00:28:52,920 --> 00:28:56,359 seein as how they was inclined to be Midland lively. But I kept 359 00:28:56,400 --> 00:29:00,440 a hushing'em up, and I filled em up so full of it victuals 360 00:29:00,480 --> 00:29:03,440 they couldn't talk. I didn't know there be any eatables left for to day, 361 00:29:03,920 --> 00:29:07,680 she added, which last remark, since she had been slyly baking for 362 00:29:07,720 --> 00:29:14,160 a week, guy thought might be considered pure bluff. At the breakfast table, 363 00:29:14,559 --> 00:29:18,680 while the eight heads were bent this thanksgiving a rose as the Master of 364 00:29:18,720 --> 00:29:22,799 the house, in a voice not quite steady, offered it to one unseen 365 00:29:23,400 --> 00:29:29,359 thou who camest to us on that first Christmas Day, we bless THEE for 366 00:29:29,519 --> 00:29:33,319 this good and perfect gift. Thou sendest us to day, but thou forgettest 367 00:29:33,440 --> 00:29:37,240 us not in these later years, but givest us the greatest joy of our 368 00:29:37,279 --> 00:29:44,920 lives, in these our loyal children. NaN's hand clutched Guy's under the table. 369 00:29:45,279 --> 00:29:48,880 Doesn't that make it worth it? His grasp said to her, and 370 00:29:49,039 --> 00:29:53,960 hers replied with a frantic pressure, indeed it does, but we don't deserve 371 00:29:55,000 --> 00:30:00,160 it. It was late in the afternoon, a tremendous Christmas dinner was all 372 00:30:00,240 --> 00:30:03,559 over and the group scattered when Guy and his mother sat alone by the fire. 373 00:30:04,680 --> 00:30:07,599 The boys had gone out to the great stock Barn with their father to 374 00:30:07,640 --> 00:30:11,559 talk over with him every detail of the prosperous business he, with the help 375 00:30:11,599 --> 00:30:17,240 of an invaluable assistant, was yet able to manage. Caroline and Nan had 376 00:30:17,279 --> 00:30:21,279 ostensibly gone with them, but in reality the former was calling upon an old 377 00:30:21,279 --> 00:30:23,759 friend of her childhood, and the latter had begged a horse and sleigh and 378 00:30:23,839 --> 00:30:27,920 driven merrily away alone upon an errand she would tell no one but her mother, 379 00:30:30,319 --> 00:30:33,480 Missus Fernald, sat in her low chair at one side of the hearth, 380 00:30:33,920 --> 00:30:37,359 her son upon a cushion at her feet, his hand resting against her 381 00:30:37,440 --> 00:30:41,359 knee. Her slender fingers were gently threading the thick locks of his hair as 382 00:30:41,359 --> 00:30:45,559 she listened while he talked to her of everything in his life and at last, 383 00:30:45,920 --> 00:30:52,000 the one thing he cared most about. Sometimes I get desperate and think 384 00:30:52,039 --> 00:30:53,720 I may as well give her up for good and all, he was saying. 385 00:30:55,799 --> 00:31:02,480 She's so so elusive. I don't know any other word for it. 386 00:31:03,279 --> 00:31:07,400 I never can tell how I stand with her. She's going south next week. 387 00:31:07,240 --> 00:31:11,160 I've asked her to answer me before she goes. Somehow I've clung to 388 00:31:11,200 --> 00:31:15,200 the hope that I get my answer to day. You'll laugh, but I 389 00:31:15,279 --> 00:31:18,640 left word with my office boy to wire me if a note or anything from 390 00:31:18,640 --> 00:31:26,759 her came. It's four o'clock that I haven't heard she. You see, 391 00:31:27,200 --> 00:31:33,759 I can't help thinking it's because she's going to turn me down and hates to 392 00:31:33,799 --> 00:31:40,160 do it. Christmas Day, he turned suddenly and buried his face in his 393 00:31:40,240 --> 00:31:45,079 mother's lap. His shoulders heaved a little in spite of himself. His mother's 394 00:31:45,119 --> 00:31:49,559 hand caressed his head more tenderly than ever. But if he could have seen, 395 00:31:51,039 --> 00:31:55,440 her eyes were very bright. They were silent for a long time. 396 00:31:56,160 --> 00:31:59,839 Then Suddenly, a jingle of sleigh bells approached through the falling winter twilight, 397 00:32:00,440 --> 00:32:04,720 drew near and stopped at the door. Guy's mother laid her hand upon his 398 00:32:04,759 --> 00:32:09,640 shoulders. Son. She said, there's some one stopping now. Perhaps it's 399 00:32:09,680 --> 00:32:14,599 the boy with a message from the station. He was on his feet in 400 00:32:14,640 --> 00:32:17,319 an instant. Her eyes followed him as he rushed away through the hall. 401 00:32:19,400 --> 00:32:23,599 Then she rose and quietly closed the sitting room door behind him. As Guy 402 00:32:23,640 --> 00:32:28,440 flung open the front door, a tall and slender figure in gray furs and 403 00:32:28,480 --> 00:32:31,599 a wide gray hat was coming up the walk. Eyes, whose glance had 404 00:32:31,599 --> 00:32:37,440 long been his dearest torture, met Guy Fernauld's and fell lips like there were 405 00:32:37,480 --> 00:32:42,599 no others in the world, smiled tremulously in response to his eager exclamation, 406 00:32:43,680 --> 00:32:47,400 and over the piaguant young face rose an exquisite color which was not altogether born 407 00:32:47,440 --> 00:32:52,720 of the wintry air. The girl, who for two years had been only 408 00:32:52,759 --> 00:32:57,720 elusive, had taken the significant step of coming to northeaster de Brook in response 409 00:32:57,759 --> 00:33:02,279 to an eloquent telephone message sent that more by Nan. Holding both her hands 410 00:33:02,319 --> 00:33:07,160 fast, Guy led her up into the house and found himself alone with her 411 00:33:07,200 --> 00:33:10,640 in the shadowy hall. With one gay shout, Nan had driven away toward 412 00:33:10,720 --> 00:33:16,279 the barn. The inner doors were all closed. Blessing the wondrous sagacity of 413 00:33:16,319 --> 00:33:22,680 his womankind. Guy took advantage of his moment. Nan brought you. I 414 00:33:22,759 --> 00:33:27,279 see that. I know you're very fond of her. But you didn't come 415 00:33:27,279 --> 00:33:34,240 wholly to please her, did you, Margaret? Not wholly? I've been 416 00:33:34,279 --> 00:33:42,559 looking all day for my answer. I Oh, I wonder if he was 417 00:33:42,599 --> 00:33:45,480 gathering courage from her aspect, which, for the first time in his experience, 418 00:33:45,559 --> 00:33:52,200 failed to keep him at a distance. Dare I think you bring it? 419 00:33:52,759 --> 00:33:58,559 She slowly lifted up her face. I thought it was so dear of 420 00:33:58,640 --> 00:34:02,160 you. She murmured, to come home to your people instead of staying with 421 00:34:02,319 --> 00:34:12,280 me. I thought you deserved what you say you want. Margaret. You 422 00:34:14,199 --> 00:34:22,320 I haven't given you any Christmas present? Will I do? Will you do? 423 00:34:22,360 --> 00:34:28,079 Oh? It was a great explosive sigh of relief and joy, and 424 00:34:28,159 --> 00:34:30,800 as he gave vent to it, he caught her close. Will you do, 425 00:34:32,079 --> 00:34:43,079 good Lord, I rather think you will Emmeline. Yes, John, 426 00:34:43,119 --> 00:34:49,719 dear, you're not crying? Oh? No, no, no, John, 427 00:34:50,920 --> 00:34:54,920 What a blessing deafness is sometimes the ear cannot detect the delicate tremolo, 428 00:34:55,559 --> 00:35:00,920 which might tell the story too plainly, and in the darkness of the eye 429 00:35:00,920 --> 00:35:07,400 cannot see. It's been a pretty nice day, hasn't it a beautiful day? 430 00:35:07,719 --> 00:35:10,360 I guess there's no doubt. But the children care a good deal for 431 00:35:10,400 --> 00:35:16,159 the old folks, yet, no doubt at all. Dear. It's good 432 00:35:16,199 --> 00:35:20,920 to think they're all asleep under the roof once more, isn't it? And 433 00:35:21,039 --> 00:35:27,280 one extra one? We like her, don't we? Oh? Very very 434 00:35:27,400 --> 00:35:34,039 much. Yes, guy's done well. I always thought he'd get her if 435 00:35:34,039 --> 00:35:37,599 he hung on. The Fernauld's always hang on. But Guy's got a mite 436 00:35:37,599 --> 00:35:40,800 of a temper. I didn't know, but he might let it go a 437 00:35:40,800 --> 00:35:46,039 little too soon. Well, it's great to think they all plan to spend 438 00:35:46,079 --> 00:35:51,960 every Christmas Day with us, isn't it, Emeline? Yes, dear, 439 00:35:52,599 --> 00:35:59,239 it's great. Well, I must let you go to sleep. It's been 440 00:35:59,280 --> 00:36:04,639 a big day, and I guess you're tired. Emeline. We've not only 441 00:36:04,679 --> 00:36:08,159 got each other, we've got the children too. That's a pretty happy thing 442 00:36:08,199 --> 00:36:16,519 at our age, isn't it now? Yes? Yes, good night, 443 00:36:17,440 --> 00:36:27,880 Christmas night, Emmeline, Good night. Dear and of on Christmas Day in 444 00:36:27,880 --> 00:36:30,760 the morning by Grace S. Richmond