A REVISED CHRISTMAS. BY CLARISSA MACKIE. iS. WASHINGTON JONES fluffed up the blond bangs on her forehead and smiled ange.ically at her husband. Mr. Washington Jones recognized the signs of approaching conflict and sigh- ed as he put down his evening paper. “Well, Linda?" he inquired. “Washy, I've an idea,” she an- | nouncd. : “] saw it coming!" groaned Mr. | Jones. “In fact. it’s more than an idea,” went on Linda, with growing enthusi- | asm in her project; “it is a fixed deter- | mination.” ; ! “Tell it,” commanded her husband. |! “I'm going to join the ‘Spugs,’” she laughed gleefully. “And what are the ‘Spugs? Some | form of suffragette battery?” i “Don’t tease, Washy, dear. I'm in| deadly earnest this time. §. P. U. G. | | is merely an abbreviation for the Soci- | ety IFor the Prevention of Useless Giv- | ing.” “Then that lets me out of giving you that set of furs this winter. when you've three other sets that are plenty good enough for any little woman to wear.” “How horrid you can be, dear!” pro- : tested Mrs, Jones, with a quaver of ap- | proaching tears in her voice. ‘You must know that the society was form- | ed for the purpose of suppressing the | useless Christmas gift. Thousands of dollars are spent every year in the giv- ing of presents to merest acquaintances | in the hope of receiving some gift in return. Of course no one will admit giving for that reason, but it is at the bottom of most of it. And there is so much suffering in the world that could be allayed with the money spent for useless presents—little trumpery lace and ribbon knickknacks that one hangs over the dressing table to catch dust and cobwebs!” “Ah, I see! Something of the same tribe as the embroidered necktie hold- ers you used to work for m~ before we were married. Never used a necktie holder in my life, my dear!" “What did you do with them, Wash- ington Jones?’ demanded Mrs. Jones tearfully. “I—I saved them,” replied Mr. Jones hastily, “together with the letters you wrote to me and your little white glove and—er—all that sort of thing, don't you know?" Linda nodded her head thoughtfully “lI know. And some rainy day. Washy. dear,” she went on sweetly, “we will open that box where you have i them all hidden away so tenderly, and | we will read them together. Won't it be great?" “Grand.” agreed Washy weakly, for fie had not the faintest idea where he had put there tender mementoes of his courting days. “Now. abeut this spug business.” he briskly reminded her. “Oh, yes!" My idea ‘is to eliminate exchanging gifts with any save our relatives and most intimate friends, and these presents shall be of the most practical kind, useful as well as beau- tiful. And the money we save shall go to charity.” “A splendid idea, Linda. you made any plans so far?” “Oh, yes. I've kept my eyes and |! ears open, ang I've about decided what And have | A @ Meese *I'm going to join the 'Spugs,’” she laughed gleefully. to give all of our relatives—things they actually need.” Mr. Jones drew out a notebook and pencil. . “] ‘have here the memorandum we drew up at Thanksgiving, outlining what each one would like and what we could afford to give,” he began. “Now, there is your mother, my dear; we planned to give her one of those mahogany sewing tables of colonial de- sign. You will remember that I was rather staggered at the price of it, but as I exist only to make you happy, my love, I agreed upon it. Now, what do you propose to substitute for the | seems to like it immensely. i ey on to the butcher, the baker and | two families over the holiday season sewing stand?” “Of course I know mother would love that sewing table. Washy; but, of course, she bas a wicker one that Adel- : la gave per two years ago and she Well, she bathrobe—that’s some-' needs a new | thing she really needs; so you can cross out the sewing table and put down ‘bathrobe’ in its place. That ought to be a saving of $10 right there.” “Good! cried Mr. Jones enthusias- tically. “Let the good work go on! Next, your father; he is down for a set of his favorite Kipling, in de luxe binding with all the trimmings; price $22." Mrs. Jones swallowed made immediate response. “I had thought of a dozen shirts for father The soft white ones that he wears--let me see, that would he sav- rapidly and “And that $50 can go to charity,” said Mrs. Jones. ing $10 more. And Ethel was to have a silver candelabra—a pair of all wool blankets instead. Tom can get along without another Russian brass smok- ing set. We will give him some socks. And"—.. For another hour Mrs. Jones dictated to her husband, and he joyfully sub-! stituted the more useful and much cheaper articles for the handsome pres- ents they were in the habit of sending to their various relatives and friends. Whensthe revised list was completed Mr. Jones made a rapid calculation and announced that under the new system of Christmas giving they would save something like $50 in money while at the same time they would have the satisfaction of knowing that their friends were receiving useful and nec: essary articles instead of the customary frivolous and expensive gifts. i “And that $50 can go to charity,” said Mrs. Jones with a sigh of satis- | faction as her husband tucked his note | book in his pocket. | The joyful smile faded from Wash ington Jones’ face. i “Might 1 suggest” he murmured meekly, “that in leaving that $50 in the bank it would be conferring charity | upon a myself?” “Washington! Would you be selfish’ at this season?” chided his little wife. | “lI would not,” protested Mr. Jones eagerly. "I would pass this good mou- the candlestick maker; otherwise the £as man.” “Think of the starving!” “1 am. The butcher told me last week that he was supporting forty- so that they might make a proper dis- play of Christmas giving, and he sig- nificantly added that his own family might starve for all the forty-two cus- tomers cared.” “How impertinent!” commented Mrs. Jones rather weakly as she followed her husband upstairs. * * * * * * * The ensuing two weeks were very busy ones for Mrs. Washington Jones. She shopped with care and discretion, and her choice of gifts was remarka- ble for their practicability. It is true that Mrs. Jones’ conscience was troubled by the thought of how her father would be disappointed at | the sight of a dozen white shirts in- stead of a much desired set of Kip- ling’s works. She knew that her sis- ter had long desired the silver can- delabra and that her young brother- in-law, Bob Jones, would set more store by a new golf bag than he would appreciate a dozen handkerchiefs. But the edict had gone forth, and, so far as Washington Jones was concerned, the butcher and baker and the gas man would be gladdened at Yuletide by the sum of $50, which would ex- actly square their several accounts to the new year. As for the public charity to which Mrs. Jones longed to subscribe her name, she was compelled to be content to contribute the meager sum of $5. Christmas was a bright and sun- shiny day, and Mrs. Jones felt filled with the holiday spirit as she pre- pared to go downtown and make her final purchases. There was a pleasant fragrance of Christmas goodies floating up from pantry and kitchen, and the two children were in close attendance. upon Bridget, who was making mince: turnovers. , rushing into the hall, he crammed on | his hat. leaped into his overcoat and holiday giving so pleasant. I sat most worthy object—to wit. |. The windows were gay with Christ- mas wreaths or braaches of holly tied with ribbon. and everywhere the spirit of Christmas cheer prevailed. As thei day wore on Mrs. Jones felt a singular’ lack of interest in purchasing shirts and handkerchiefs and neckties She had omitted five friends with whom she had been in the habit of exchang- ing foolish trifles, and she substituted engraved Christmas greetings in place of the usual remembrance. Then. at the very last moment, Lin- da Jones became reckless. and in a brief hour she flew from shop to shop, to emerge guiltily with small parcels, which she smuggled into the house and proceeded to tie up in white tissue pa- per packages bound about with red ribbons. | All the evening messengers came and went from the Jones house. Some of the messengers were summoned to car- ry packages to Mr. Jones’ neglected friends, remembered at the eleventh . hour, the same dainty white packages we have seen her prepare so hastily. Mrs. Jones heart grew heavier as she noted that on this Christmas eve her oww proportion of gifts had dwin-! dled beyond belief. Scarce a half dozen packages icwarded her search among _ the daintily tied bundles delivered at the door and piled at once beneath the Christmas tree in the library. ; “Well, bow are things coming along?" cried Washington Jones when he breezed into the house at 9 o'clock. “We are all ready,” answered his lit- tle wife wearily. “I've sent off all my presents, and the children have gone to bed to dream of Santa Claus. Do you know. Washy, I'm afraid that Dicky will be so disappointed over raving a new overcoat instead of that sew sled he wanted. [I'm sure he would rather have worn his old coat another winter. And Dolly” — : “What about Dolly?" asked Dolly’s papa. “Don’t tell me’ that you neg- fected that kiddie's big baby doll she’s been writing Santa for?” “1 did.” admitted Mrs, Jones guiltily. | “1 bought her a new velvet bonnet in- | stead.” i For fifteen minutes Mr. Washington Jones poked among the parcels under the tree. ‘When he straizbtened him- self he uttered one ejaculation. “Well, by thunder!” he cried. and, dashed out of the house. “Dear me. what can be the matter with Washy?" murmured Mrs. Jones, "rather dazedly. for somehow Christ mas was turning out differently than she had expected. In fact, it didn't’ appear at all like Christmas to elimi- | nate all the little luxuries that made Then she’ down on the fivor and rather gloomily inspected her own parcels. “A pair of blankets from mother; says she knows | wanted practical! gifts! Tablecloth and dinner napkins | ( f y J ML WE Al HO ON 5 IN NY ANS ” b= R= NAN ly - \ NY Oj] - We [1 ON NG AU j u (2 — = @ Rusch Scarce a Half Dozen Packages Reward- ed Her Search. from Ethel—bhum! Cookbook from Tom—the big goose! And the rest are of the same sort. May Woods has just sent a card, and 'so has Kitty and Alice. Oh. dear; this is from Washy! 1 hope it isn’t gloves or stockings! | shall scream if it is!” But it wasn't. It was so very frivol- ous that Linda Jones smiled through her tears and kissed the gorgeous gild- ed basket of bonbons. Inside the basket was a small white box. and in the box was a bracelet. Well, Wash: ington Jones was the same extrava- gant, foolish, dear, dear boy as he had been when he asked her to marry him! When Washington Jones presented himself at his home it was nearly mid- night. In his arms were some large packages which he piled under the Christmas tree. “Dicky’'s sled and a new pair of skates and a train of cars,” he an- nounced grimly; *“Dolly’s baby doll and a crib for it and a doll carriage” — Linda interrupted him by a surprised shriek. . “Washy Jones! You never bought all those toys?" she asked. “] did—my kids are going to have the kind of a Christmas they want.” he tossed over his shoulder, “1 buy their clotiies anyway.” . “But, Washy, dear,” quavered l.inda, “you see I got to thinking about that and so I bought Dicky a sled, too, and ® pair of skates and Dolly's doll and the other things!” They stared at each other in amazed | robe and two mahogany sewing stands, .. Jones, “and because I'm glad ! changed . you and got that silver mounted fish- + cessful spug!” sighed Linda. ington Jones over her heaving shoul- ! American family, and 1 wouldn't have 1 silence. Then Mr. Jones opened his mouth and spoke huskily: t “Did you suffer the same change of ! heart toward your parents and: friends?” he asked. | Linda nodded dumbly. Washington Jones uttered a whoop | of surprise. ! “Then,” he choked mirthfully, “then, my dear, your mother possesses a bath- your father owns a dozen new linen | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 7 7 7 Nr | a = iN (IN fi | y/ Ko) i TA il a “Because you gave me such a lovely, foolish present, dear,” confessed Mrs. Jones. shirts and two sets of Kipling, your sis- ter Ethel” — “Oh, dear!” wailed Mrs. Jones hys- terically. “\Washy Jones. did you go and buy all those things. too?” “1 did.” said Jones solemnly. “It will take us a week after Christmas, my dear. to untangle this business and separate our friends and relatives from their duplicate presents, Tomorrow I will take the children in the motor, and we will distribute an extra sled and skates and doll toys among some poor children—and—-vhat are you crying about, honey ?" “Because you gave me such a lovely, foolish present, dear,” confessed Mrs. those suits of underwear 1 bought for ing rod you've been wanting so long— and more than that”— “Never mind about any more. I've stopped and made the promised Christ- mas gifts to the butcher, baker, ete. and do tell me if you must why you are still erying. my dear?” “Oh, because I am such an unsuc- “You may be that,” twinkled Wash- der, *‘but to me you appear to be just the successful wife of an average you change a bit!" Paper and Papyrus. The newspapers of today are printed on paper composed almost or quite ail of wood fiber. The result is that in 2 few years the paper, as it becomes thor- oughly dry. will break and crumble. The “papyrus” reed of old Egypt gives the name of paper, and the roll or “volumen’ of manuscript of old Rome is the origin of the term “volume” ap- plied to a book. When the excavations of Pompeii were first conducted many charred rolls were found. These at first were thought to be half burned sticks. They were carefully unrolled and found to be examples of classic literature. Boxes of these rolls were carried from place to place as wanted. Representations of them, packed for the use of the students, are seen in the wall paintings of Pom- peli. The water plant, papyrus, was once abundant, but is now almost ex- tinct in the Nile.—Indianapolis News. Rain on the Diamonds. Madge—Do you think Mr. Phan loves you more than he does baseball? Maude—1 really don’t know. Last night he told me that my eyes were like diamonds. Madge—That is a sign of affection. Maude—Then a little later he said that when I cried it made him fee} like a postponed game.—Judge. Improvement on Shovel. An ingenious inventor has found the ordinary form of shovel capable of improvement. He makes the blade adjustable to any desired angle by pressing a spring in the handle. For digging a ditch or a hole the blade is kept straight down. As the hole be- comes larger the blade is changed to form an angle with the handle so that it can be used as a spoon in removing the loose dirt as it accumulates. This inclined blade is also useful in exca- vating hollow trenches such as are used in irregular lands for the quick distribution of water. Plural. “Is the word ‘politics’ singular or plural?” “Plural,” replied Senator Sorghum. “I know a man who is trying to be a Republican, a Progressive and a Pro- hibitionist all at once.” i EVERYTHING All the goods we advertise here are selling at prices prevailing this time last-season. EEOC LH HAS NOT GONE UP IN PRICE wd MINCE MEAT. We are now making our MINCE MEAT and keeping it fully up to our usual high standard; nothing cut out or cut short and are selling it at our former price of 15 Cents Per Pound. SWEET POTATOES. Finest Selected SWEET POTATOES at 40 Cents Per Peck. Fine Celery, Oranges, Grape Fruit, Apricots, Peaches, Prunes—All spices (Except Pepper). Breakfast Foods, Extracts, Baking Powders, Soda, Corn- starch. The whole line of Soaps and Washing Powders, Starches, Blueing and many other articles are selling at the usual prices. COFFEES, TEAS AND RICE. On our Fine Coffees at 25c¢, 28¢, 30c, 35c and 40c, there has been no change in price on quality of goods and no change in the price of TEAS. Rice has not advanced in price and can be used largely as a substitute for potatoes. All of these goods are costing us more than formerly but we are doing our best to Hold Down the Bill on high- prices, hoping for a more favorable market in the near future. Fine Ripe Cranberries at 10 Cents for a Standard Dry Measure Quart until after Christmas. LET US HAVE YOUR ORDER and we will give you FINE GROCERIES at reasonable prices and give you good service. SECHLER & COMPANY, Bush House Block, - . 57-1 - - - Bellefonte, Pa. Shoes. Shoes. PRICES REDUCED PRICES REDUCED J | YEAGER'S SHOE STOR When the Time Comes to Purchase the Shoes and Slippers that you expect to give for Christmas presents, remember you can save on each pair that is purchased at Yeagers. Compare the Prices Below with any other firm selling shoes, then you be the judge as to the better place to buy. Ladies’ Kreep-a-Wa Slippers, all colors, 98¢c Childs’ Kreep-a-Wa Slippers, all colors, 75¢ Men's good qualitv Felt Slippers - - 75¢ Men's Black and Tan Romeo Slippers - $1.75 Ladies’ 8-inch Kid Boots - - - - - $3.25 Boy’s High Cut Shoes - - - - - - $3.00 Childs’ Champagne Kid Shoes - - - $1.50 i Ladies’ Warm Shoes for cold feet - - $1.35 YOU CAN SAVE MONEY on anything you may need in the shoe line. YEAGER'S, The Shoe Store for the Poor Man. Bush Arcade Bldg. 58-27 BELLEFONTE, PA. Come to the “Watchman” office for High Class Job work. Be a Regular at the Receiv- ing Teller’s Window! Make a bank deposit at least once a week. If you haven't a bank account start one today. And, once started, promise yourself that you'll add to it. In the Event of Ill Health, Loss of Position or ‘Other Misfortune Your Bank Book J Will Be Your Support THE CENTRE COUNTY BANK, 56-6 BELLEFONTE PA.
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers