cn 0 0 8 CO 5 0 En i Dreaming of Good Old Senta Happy With Her Christmas Gifte By ELEANOR KING Young Sig's RJTEOLEL Yuletide Songs tonight.” Assured Her of “Ton by Training for ten minutes. Opera My, but some folks pe are slow,” she sai¢ laughingly. “Where have you been, Mary?” “It's a rather long story,” replied Mary, as she removed her wraps, hang ing them in the one and only little clothes closet the boarding house room afforded. This was already filled to the bursting point, needless to add. “Do you remember my speaking 0’ a Miss Young?’ Esther nodded in assent. «1 met her when I was a stenog rapher at the settlement house, you know. She tells me she is still in that work. I think it so queer that 1 should meet her like this after our con: versation last night. Now, Miss Esther I am coming to the point. You recol: lect saying that you were SO blue be cause it was almost Christmas and you had no home to go to, no money to give to make some one happy, and you couldn't go to see George because you hadn't the railroad fare! Well”—and Mary paused for breath—*now, here is your chance to show how much you meant all this. Mrs. Young was telling me her troubles.” : “Oh, Mary, how awful!” and Esther burst out laughing as she threw her . msn Arms about Mary Ng and gave her 8 Ae hug. “You old % dear!” “She said,” pro ceeded Mary, as though nothing had happened, “she was giving 2 big entertainment for her settiemen folks Christmas eve. She was hav ing a hard time getting artists. Ii seems that there are So many oi these things going on that there aren’t artists enough to supply the de mand. Now you know.” “Yes, she wants me to sing, I sup pose, but I am horribly out of prac tice, I—" “Oh, hush! I never knew it to fail That is what they all start out with 1 took the liberty to tell her you would be glad to do it, so—" “I surely will do my best. I will be gin to practice this very night. I wil see Mrs. Young tomorrow about the songs she wants me to sing. Do you suppose George would come down. fc hear me sing, and then maybe stay over for Christmas?’ It was the night of the entertain raontand tha «rly were putting the fin vor bgt PRE . . Aw TEE \ A AN tN \ WEA a 1 \ IN y AK a tap yhoo poy Ksther suddenly broke the silence “T think it is so queer that I didn’ receive any answer trom George. Hie might at least have told me he couldn't come.” Everything was excitement anc noise in the large hall of the settle: ment house, where people of all na tionalities were crowding in. The pro gram began at the hour stated. Be | tore long Esther heard her name an ncunced and stepped onto the plat form with her pianist. Gazing at the audience, while she awaited the pianist, her wandering glance fell upon a familiar face. Ii could not be, but yet, in recognition, he smiled. It was George! “The old dear,” and then, in the same breath, she murmured, “Oh God, I thank thee for the power of breath, the desire to live with whick you have invested me, and, dear Lord for George!” She threw back her head with an exalted air. George was going to heal her sing. She must do more than her best. Never did she sing with such spirit and vigor. She seemed truly inspired eee ee reer CHRISTMAS Both Fell. Bess I'd quit drinkin’ for six months Two cowboy partners, Red and I guess I'm the dangdest, biggest liar Slim, promised their girls that they ! in this country!” would quit drinking for six months. “Didn’t I promise Rose I'd quit About two weeks later they went ! too, the same as you did?” to town. They knocked around for a | «Yes, but—" while and then separated for an hour horses and started back for the ranch. ?27__Judge. DE A or Tot iy | then you 2 was very silent. After they had | ridden for a while, Red turned to Slim and said: “What you so silent about? It ain’t natural.” * — Why not send the “Watchman’ membrance ? 5 1 “Well, you ain’t the biggest liar or so, after which they got on their | then. Don’t I weigh five pounds more to your friends as a Christmas re- 3 GREET! : ’ Scenic Theatre.. Two Weeks-Ahead Program SATURDAY, DECEMBER 22: WILLIAM RUSSELL in “ALIAS NIGHT WIND,” is a melodrama with ac- tion all through. Supposed to be guilty of a crime he becomes a night prowler, frustrating robberies and finaily gets evidence to clear himself, and marries the female detective. Also, Universal comedy, “Nobody's Darling.” MONDAY AND TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24 AND 25: GLORIA SWANSON in “THE PRODIGAL DAUGHTERS,” a seven reel human interest story, the best for her in this line. Lavish production all through picture. She gambles and loses and a friend squares up and wants to marry her but she becomes disgusted, is nearly caught in a raid and finally marries the hero. Also, Pathe News and Topics. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26: COLLEEN MOORE in “THE HUNTRESS,” a seven reel picture dealing with Indian life. Much beautiful outdoor scenery. The fine acting of the heroine is appealing as the white girl reared by Indian foster father, and her hunt for a husband. Also, 2 reel Sunshine Comedy. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27: SPECIAL CAST in “THE DAUGHTERS OF THE RICH,” a six reel good society drama. A wealthy American mother marries daughter to rotter of a Duke but finally becomes reunited to her former sweetheart. Will satis- fy. Also, Pathe News and Review. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28: JACK HOXIE in “MEN IN THE RAW,” is a hard riding daredevil pic- ture. A desperate slide down an icy mountain. The under water scene in the River of Dread is great. If you want thrills and romance don’t miss it. Also, 4th episode of “THE STEEL TRAIL,” Duncan's thriller. OPERA HOUSE. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 25: NEAL HART in “THE FORBIDDEN RANGE,” a good western with plen- ty of fast action, which will please lovers of western pictures. Also, Larry Semon Comedy and a series of “The Leather Pushers.” SATURDAY, DECEMBER 29: DUSTIN FARNUM in “THE GRAIL,” is a tale of Texas Ranger's exper ience capturing a youth over whom he had spiritual influence. An inter- esting, unusual type of picture. Also, an Imperial two reel Fox comedy, “The Two Johns.” MONDAY, DECEMBER 31: ELAINE HAMMERSTEIN in “ONE WEEK OF LOVE,” is a seven reel good picture that will please most everybody. A fine cast and story with lots of surprises and thrills. Also, Pathe News and Review. TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1 AND 2 (Matinee and Night: JACKIE COOGAN in “CIRCUS DAYS,” is a fine, big drawing picture star- ring this wonderful little actor, and all who like him will like it. Human interest and comedy all through. A miserly uncle makes life for mother and child a hell. He runs away, joins a circus, becomes a child rider and prospers. Fine, real circus scenes. Also, 2 reel Sunshine Comedy, “Apple Sauce.” THURSDAY, JANUARY 3: ALFRED HUNT, in “BACKBONE,” a first-class seven reel romance dra- ma, well directed and well acted. Edith Roberts, as heroine in this fine tale of adventure and love, is very good. Early scenes are of days of Louis XV of France. Also, Pathe News and Review. FRIDAY, JANUARY 4: Her cup of joy was full. The burst oi applause which met her ears showed | the thorough appreciation of her audi ' ence for her efforts. She couldn’t get to George fast enough after the entertainment. Meet: ing, they both seemed perfectly oblivi- ous of the crowds about them as he gathered her in his arms. “Esther, you were simply divine. Your voice was wonderful. I never heard you sing like that before.” Some one tapped him on the arm. It was Mary. “But, George,” said Esther, wriggling out of his grasp, realizing that they were creating quite a scene, “Why didn’t you tell me you were coming?” “Didn't you get my telegram with all the good news in it? Well, listen, then,” George said, excitedly. “I brought my boss along. He has heard so much about your voice—Mr. Wil- liamson, meet Miss Esther Hislop and her friend, Miss Mary Roner, Mr. Wil- liamson. He is very interested in your voice—in fact, he has a proposition to put before you.” Esther slipped her arm about Mary and put her other arm through George's. She needed support. “My idea was this,” began Mr. Wil- liamson, “for me to send you to New York for training for a year or so; be- ing near my place of business, you could report often as to your progress.” “And I will be near George, too,” thought Esther. But, aloud, she said, “I will have to take Mary. She is my inspiration always. I couldn't do with- out her.” “Then,” proceeded Mr. Williamson, «1 want to send you abroad and finish you off as an opera singer.” “AT out!” shouted the janitor, rather peevishly. “Come up to the house,” Esther put in. “This is so wonderful, I want to talk it over some more. George, isn’t it wonderful? We will he in New York tneother, 0h. what a glorious Christ ~ 19 HERBERT RAWLINSON in “A MILLION TO BURN,” is a comedy drama of interest all through. A waiter in a hotel with dream ideas becomes man- ager and makes a mess of it. Also, the fifth episode of “THE STEEL TRAIL.” OPERA HOUSE. TUESDAY, JANUARY 1: MIRIAM COOPER in “THE GIRL WHO CAME BACK,” a six reel story of regeneration in which a fake marriage to heroine, who is arrested as ac- complice with her husband. Also, Larry Semon Comedy. a i AAAS NAAN NN The First National Bank of Bellefonte offers Good Wishes to all for a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year fine AANA NIIP IIIS soper Union.) == LL Ao i NG S Presents Were at the Wrong Door By CHRISTOPHER G. HAZARD Postan’s HO can tell : what is on Mistake Resulted a her side in a Happy of a door? Christmas for the This one fronted on Peters Families 2 pleasant street and seemed to in- vite one into a happy home. Its plate said that P. Peters lived there, and the door mat said “Welcome.” But Mrs. Peters and the children would have been rather dismayed that winter day had visitors rung the door bell, for things were not quite all right with the Peters family. The cuckoo, from his perch in the clock, announced the hours with his customary cheerfulness and polite bow, but failed to dissipate the atmosphere of gloom that seemed to fill the house like a fog. The voice in the kitchen, ordinarily of a jolly character, had sunk into a minor key and sent out a sort of S. O. S. message in the words of the old song: “Moon run down to de settin’ ob de sun And de sun refuse to shine.” The sunset in the Peters’ home had been caused by the cutting off of their supply train. Three months had passed without word or remit- tance from the head of the fam- ily. This added the perils of pov- erty to the pains i of absence and made the Christ- mas outlook de- cidedly shady. Young Peters add- ed to his mother’s anxiety by re- marking that his dad’s business trip 3 must have been hit by a submarine or something, while his sister intensified the situation by wondering aloud if they would ever see him again. Both of these auguries, so unsuited to Christmas Eve, were interrupted, however, by the arrival of the parcel postman and the deposit of an im- mense and promising package, bear- ing in large letters a direction to Mrs. P. Peters. With no clue as to the gender the family naturally concluded the various and valuable assortment that was revealed to investigation to be an evidence of fatherly consider- ation and the advance agent of the returning traveler. Joy came out with all the other things, and cheer took the place of chagrin. Farther up the street and behind a door bearing the name of Paul Peters there was another household that was not as sunny as it should have been. A letter had come—but a bundle had failed to come. The letter a program of delight, the bundle a disappoint- ment. Uncle Joshua had known their wants by a marvelous instinct, but where was the bundle? Alas! the othe er things were as nothing for the lack of it and Christmas morning dawned upon discontent. But before the morning had quite disappeared Fred came rushing in with the news that he had seen that Peters boy in the next block with a sled bearing the same name as the one men- tioned by Uncle Joshua. “I didn’t | know there was a Peters boy in the ! next block,” said his mother; “I'll go ' down and see if they can tell us any- thing about our bundle.” They could, and the mystery was very easily solved by the explanation of the postman at the wrong door, making a very pardonable mistake. An explanation that led indeed to a | redistribution of gifts and also to a discovery of relationships, for the Pe- ters’ families found each other out, as less than a block apart In family ties and friendliness. A discovery that was the very best Christmas gift that they could have had and which led them to think that the wrong door was all right after all. It proved a way out for the P. Pe- terses and a way in for the Paul Pe- terses until Pa Peters of the first part put in an appearance through it in time for New Years with such an account of himself and his adventures as proved highly satisfactory to all the combined hopes and plans of all the Peterses. (©, 1923, Western Newspaper Union.) CARRYING IT TOO FAR “It was so sweet of you to bring me these kisses for Christmas.” “I expected you'd stand under the mistletoe when I gave them to you.”