[Illustration: "AUNTEE, I'LL THINK OF SOMETHING--I PROMISE YOU I WILL. "] SECOND EDITION GRANDFATHER'S LOVE PIE BY MIRIAM GAINES ILLUSTRATIONS BY JOHN EDWARD WHITING 1913 JOHN P. MORTON & COMPANY INCORPORATED LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY COPYRIGHT, 1913, BY MISS MIRIAM GAINES. TO THE MEMORY OF MY BELOVED FATHER, JOHN THOMAS GAINES, THIS LITTLE VOLUME IS DEDICATED. GRANDFATHER'S LOVE PIE I. "O, Auntee, what is it?" The awed young voice paused at the threshold. It was a sight the little girl had never witnessed before--she had seenAuntee sad at occasional intervals, and a few times had looked upontears in the usually merry eyes of her beloved chum, but never beforehad she beheld Auntee sobbing in such an abandonment of grief. There was a very tender tie of love between these two--Alsie, the dearlittle twelve-year-old daughter of an older sister of the family, andAlice, the only remaining unmarried child of a household of many sonsand daughters. The family circle had never been broken, however, and it was a householdwhere love prevailed, for although several members lived in far-awayhomes, the flame of affection burned as brightly and the cord of lovebound them together as strongly as did ever the same ties bind theirsturdy Scotch ancestors into clans. Auntee (for that was Alsie's baby name for the aunt, with whom so manyhappy hours had been spent) rose half way up from the bed with asomewhat startled movement, but the sight of the stricken little face ather side seemed to bring back afresh the reminder of her pain, and sheagain buried her face in the pillow with a sob. After a few moments, however, the young woman put her arm tenderlyaround the little namesake and tried to explain. "I did not intend to burden you, Alsie dear, with my grief, but I feelso sad and somehow I just couldn't keep it shut in any longer--it _had_to come out. But I thought you were playing with your little friendMargaret, and I knew mother had started for the drug store on an errandwhich would surely keep her an hour. " "Auntee, are you so sad because dear Uncle James has gone away? You knowgrandma said he had been called to his heavenly home, and there are lotsof us left to make you bright and happy. " "So there are, Alsie, and I will try to take courage in that thought, for surely God wouldn't take another loved one away from us so soon--sosoon. " The last two words were spoken pensively and as though she wasunconscious of the presence of the child. Little Alsie's face becamewhite. "O, Auntee, you don't mean that dear grandfather"--her voice falteredand she finished in a whisper--"is worse?" Auntee regained her self-possession in a moment and said hastily, "No, dear child, no worse. But sit down with me and I will tell you allabout it. You must promise not to mention it to grandmother, however, for we will have to be brave together. " Then, sitting side by side inthe pretty little blue bedroom where only a few months before so manyjoyous hours had been spent in fixing everything up daintily to meetthe gaze of returned travelers, Aunt Alice related to young Alice thestory of her trip to the doctor's that very day, and how he had toldher that the chances were against the recovery of the beloved fatherand grandfather, lying so patiently on his bed of pain in the southbedchamber. His health had begun to fail in the spring, but grandfather, with hisbroad shoulders, military bearing, and six feet of noble manhood, hadnever been sick within the memory of either of these two, and it washard for them--or, indeed, any other--to conceive that it was more thana passing ailment, and would soon disappear. The family became vaguelyuneasy as the spring merged into the summer, and a plan was proposed forthe plump little five-foot "wifey" to take her big husband, the Captain, on a long trip to the seashore and mountains. The trip had been taken, but Captain Gordon's condition did not showthe improvement that the anxious members of his family had so earnestlyhoped to see, and after the return the busy little wife immediately setabout securing a couch for his office, for the invalid insisted thathe was able to resume his duties. She explained that "the Captainmight rest a little now and then from his labors, " for the sturdy oldsoldier would not for a moment entertain the thought of giving up hiswork--the loved, chosen profession which he had followed so faithfullyand successfully since he came out--a gallant young officer oftwenty-three--from the Civil War, the sole survivor of the four membersof his household who had gone forth to fight for what was to be theLost Cause. Everything at the office was made especially comfortable, for howwillingly would every one have spared the quiet, kind professor, whocombined so wonderfully strength and manliness with gentleness andlovableness of disposition. The experiment lasted one week--he came home at the close of the sixthday and said quietly, "I must get a substitute until I am well enough toattend to my work as it should be done. " So the substitute was securedand a consultation of doctors followed, with the result that a new lineof treatment had been adopted. A few weeks failed to bring good results, so other treatments had been tried, until, a few weeks before, a skilledspecialist had ordered him off to the infirmary for a period of severalweeks. The days spent here were days of great suffering, but grandfather was aman of monumental patience, and no word of complaint passed his lips. Itwas just at this time that a crushing blow had been dealt the hopeful, cheery little wifey, who had always been laughingly termed "boss of theranch, " "head of the house, " and suchlike terms, but whose right tothese titles had never been disputed by the indulgent husband or devotedsons and daughters, for her ready hand always carried with it relief, and her merry laugh brought cheer and sunshine. Her only brother had been stricken, and died within a few days, but thebrave little wife and mother had hidden her deep sorrow in her bosom, and after a few days, only a smiling face was presented about the house. When the allotted time at the infirmary had expired, the young doctor, who had studied the case with such zeal and attended his patient withthe tender care of a son, brought him back to his home. After having put her father to bed, to rest from the weariness of thetrip, Alice turned around to the waiting physician, a foreboding anxietyin her heart, and tried to make her question quite natural: "Well, doctor, how soon can your friend, the specialist, have fatherwell again?" After a pause Dr. Emerson replied, "He will not continue on the case, Miss Gordon. " "O, doctor, what do you mean? He has not given it up? I can notrelinquish hope--I won't. " "And I do not wish you to, Miss Gordon. Dr. Helm did not find yourfather's condition to be what he had expected, but we are going to beginat once a treatment that has been practiced with great success inGermany, in cases like his. " Nothing more was said at that time between them, but the memory of thatconversation was indelibly printed on Alice's mind, and a long night ofthe keenest anguish she had ever experienced, followed. She thought, and thought, and thought, until the sounds from thesick-chamber near by, would bring a flood of tender memories and herpillow would be wet with tears. It was thus that most of the night was spent. Toward morning she sankinto a deep slumber, but, when she wakened, a terrible leaden weightseemed to oppress her, and it was several hours before the buoyantcheerfulness, with which she was by nature endowed, could again assertitself. After several days and nights spent thus, Alice came to the wiseconclusion that the situation _must_ be faced, for obvious reasons. After this decision was reached, she became more calm, and the next day, without consulting any member of the family, slipped away to the doctor'sdowntown office, and waited patiently until he was at leisure to seeher. Dr. Emerson seemed a little surprised at her appearance, but said, "Whatis it, Miss Gordon--what can I do for you?" "I only came, Dr. Emerson, to say to you that I am now ready to hearwhat you have to tell about my father. I want to know just how much wemay hope for--or how little. " Her voice faltered, but she continued, "Icould not listen a few days ago when you suggested that Dr. Helm was notable to relieve him, but tell me all now. " Perhaps it was because the kind physician felt sorry for the sorrowingdaughter, or perhaps it was because, personally, he cherished a deepaffection for the scholarly old gentleman on whom he was expending hismost earnest efforts, but whatever the reason, he told her in thegentlest, kindest manner, enough to make her understand that the chanceswere against her father's recovery. His concluding remarks, however, were reassuring. "Please do not understand for a moment, Miss Gordon, that I have given up hope. I do not agree altogether with Dr. Helm, andI feel that we have good ground for expecting favorable results from thetreatment that we have recently begun. " After hearing the news, Alice returned home, to find a letter in whichwas a small check from one of the loving family circle, to be spent ina Christmas present for the dear sick one. It had come to be a sort of habit in the family for a few of thefar-away members to send little sums to Alice at Christmas time, inorder that the presents should be such as would give service as wellas pleasure. The carrying out of these commissions had always been a source ofdelight to both big and little Alice, for did _they_ not know best ofall the individual needs and hopes of each member of the household?Who, then, could so well plan and shop for the merry Christmas, whichwas _always_ a success in the Gordon household? Yes, a merry, happy season it had always been for, while all thecomforts of a refined home had ever been theirs, the provision ofthese comforts had required constant economy and management on the partof the busy little "wifey" of the house. As the former children hadgrown up and flitted away from the home nest to establish families forthemselves, they had gradually come to realize that it was because of_not having_ so many things that they were enabled to get such a degreeof pleasure from those gifts which just fitted the need, or perhapsthose gifts, for which the ordinary craving might be counted anextravagance. It had always been the custom for each one of the family to hang up hisor her stocking, and when the grandchildren began to appear upon thescene, grandfather's big sock always held a conspicuous place among thestockings of all sizes. It was the remembrance of all these established customs that had causedthe entire breakdown of Alice's walls of self-control (which she thoughthad been so well built), and when little Alsie found her there, alonein her chamber, in such deep distress, it was not surprising that thelittle maid was frightened. This was the first time that Alice had ever confided to the childanything that was, even, in a remote degree, depressing, but her heartwas so overwrought that she had poured out the whole sad story to thelittle girl before time could be taken for consideration of the wisdomof such a course. A flicker of doubt, however, came to her as she sawthe troubled look of the child deepen into an expression of pain andperplexity, and she continued, half apologetically, "I ought not to feel so discouraged, dearie, I know. I ought to bebrave, but when I tried to think what I _could_ get for dear father withthe checks that will surely be coming in to me, within the next two orthree weeks, I felt so utterly broken-hearted that I could do nothingbut cry. " The child put her arms tenderly around the neck of her belovedaunt, and gave her message of sympathy in mute kisses. "I am completely at a loss to know what to do, " said Alice, withemphasis. "Here is Christmas, only a month distant--I have made nopreparation, for I have had no heart for it; we can not hang up thestockings after the usual merry fashion, for it would be only a farce;we should cry instead of laugh when we see them, so I feel almostdesperate to know _what_ to do. O, Alsie, can't we think of some planby which we may give dear grandfather a merry Christmas, especiallyif it is to be his last with us?" "Auntee, I'll _think_ of something--I promise you I will--and it will besoon, too--perhaps by to-morrow--but anyhow by the day after, so trustto me and let us both hope that grandfather will get better. " "I will, dear--I will. There! I feel more hopeful already. Don't youremember, when you were a wee tot, and would come in and ask me for apiece of cake? When I would say, 'Well, now, I wonder where grandma hasput that cake?' you would reply, so eagerly, 'Fink hard, Auntee--finkhard. ' You knew well that a real hard _think_ would bring results. Nowwe must both 'think hard' and see if we can't produce a little genuineChristmas cheer. " They parted with this compact, and when Alice, half an hour later, walked into Captain Gordon's sick-chamber, a pleasant smile was on herlips and her voice had regained its usual composure. II. A day or two passed with little change in the condition of affairs, in the Gordon household, but on the third afternoon, following theconversation between the two Alices, the younger one came in rathersuddenly, and announced, in a whisper, that she had an idea. In a little while Aunt Alice had suggested a walk "for a breath of freshair, " with the result that they were soon out together, alone, walkingin the lovely park which was close by. "You see, Auntee, " began Alsie, "it was this way--I tried and tried tothink of some celebration, which would make us all cheerful and happy atChristmas, but the more I thought, the harder the problem seemed to get. We couldn't have plays, for that would tire grandfather; a Christmastree would remind us all of last Christmas, when dear Uncle Jameshad such a beautiful one at his country place. It would make grandmacry--and perhaps the rest of us, too--to remember that _that_ home hadbeen broken up by the loss of the father and husband. Altogether, I wasbeginning to feel real discouraged. Mamma took me down town to lunchwith her to-day, and the waiter brought in such a big, luscious pieceof pie. You know, Auntee, I have always loved pie 'most as much asgrandfather. I began to think how long it had been since he had hada single taste of pie, and yet he has never complained. I began towish--O, so much--that grandfather could enjoy that delicious bit ofpie. The tears came into my eyes, Auntee, and I said to mamma, 'Ifgrandfather could just eat this one piece of pie, mamma, I would bewilling to do without pie for the rest of my life. ' "It was then, Auntee, that the idea came to me. Couldn't we have aChristmas pie for grandfather which, instead of having a filling of richcustards or fruits, would contain all the cunning little presents thatwe grandchildren could make for him?" "Why, Alsie, what an idea! I've heard of the Jack Horner pie and othervarieties, perhaps, but who would have thought of the idea of aChristmas pie of that kind! We'll certainly carry it out, for yourpretty idea was the offspring of an unselfish impulse, and a sympathetictear, and it surely will thrive and bear fruit. " "Let's see, Auntee--a pie must always be round, mus'n't it?" "And this one will have to be big, too, " replied Alice, "for there arelots of us who want to have a finger in it. Those dear co-workers withfather, who have kept his sick-room so fragrant and beautiful withflowers, must each be allowed a little space for a card of greeting. In fact, Alsie, I think it would be a good idea to invite all hismost beloved circle of friends to send a little message of love, foronly the other day he said to me, 'There is nothing so acceptable to aman lying on a bed of sickness as an offering of love--be it a message, a flower, a visit, or a delicacy--it is delightful to be remembered. '" "Well, Auntee, I'll see all the cousins within reach and write to theothers, and you do the same with the grown folks of the family, and therule must be that each is to put into the pie something that will pleasegrandfather or make him laugh. " "Fine, Alsie, fine. It's a good rule to make, for it's a '_MerryChristmas_' we are striving for, and I don't believe our efforts willfail if we put into them all the love and energy which the family sayyou and I possess, in a like degree. " "We haven't much time to lose, either, Auntee, for we have lots to doin the three weeks that remain to us. Now, as to business, what are wegoing to make the pie-crust of--I mean what material will take theplace of the pie-crust, which you know is what holds the goodies?" "It must be considerably stronger than the crisp, brittle crust whichAunt Bettie brings to _our_ table, " replied Aunt Alice with a laugh. After a moment she continued, "I wonder if we couldn't get hold of oneof those hat-boxes which are made to hold the enormous 'creations'we see every day in the milliners' shops, and on the heads of so manypretty girls. We can make the effort, anyhow, and if we don't succeedin finding just what we want, needles and cardboard are plentiful and wecan make a box to suit ourselves, for it must be at least twenty-fiveor thirty inches in diameter and six inches high to hold the filling. " They walked slowly homeward, discussing various little points whichoccurred to them along the way, until, when Alice walked back into thefront door of her home, what was her surprise and delight to feel thatthe weight of the sorrow, which had so oppressed her, was lightened. She felt almost buoyant in her eagerness for Christmas to come. And now a busy season began. It was hard to think of anything suitablefor the invalid, for had not the loving hands of his wife and childrenprovided everything that might add to the comfort of the beloved headof the household? There was one little feature that had been overlooked, however--grandfather possessed no foot-warmers. So Alsie's energieswere at once set to work on these articles, which were destined to be"real comforts" in the weeks which followed Christmas. The story of grandfather's pie was soon spread, not only through thefamily, but also to a large circle of friends. Everybody was cautioned, however, to keep the secret from Mrs. Gordon, for it was decreed thatthe faithful little "wifey" (no one had ever heard the Captain addresshis wife by any other name than _that_, which he had bestowed upon herduring their honeymoon) should share the surprise and pleasure with herhusband. "Mr. Doctor, what are you going to put in the Christmas pie?" exclaimedAlice merrily one morning, after telling the physician of the plan. "I think I'll contribute the turkey, " he answered with a smile. "Aturkey, of course, which won't take up too much space, and the dressingI'll put in that turkey will be calculated to make any sick man well. Do you understand?" Alice didn't quite understand, but was willing to leave the matter inhis hands. Little Jack was quite worried that he could think of nothing to makegrandfather laugh, and one day when he was in the sick-chamber heblurted out, "Grandfather, what would you rather have me give you forChristmas than anything else?" The laugh came then--before time--for it explained to grandfather theuneasy, doubtful expression which had enveloped the little lad's facejust previous to the asking of the question. "Well, I'll tell you, Jack, what would please me more than anythingelse--a perfect report from your teacher. If you could bring me this, onChristmas Day, I would know that it meant hard work for a boy, who is asfond of play and mischief as you. " Nothing more was said on the subject, but little Jack passed out of theroom with a stern resolution that that report should be forthcoming, andwhen Aunt Alice was told of it she exclaimed enthusiastically, "O, Jackyboy, you _must_ get that perfect report, even if it does mean hard work, and we'll lay it in the very center of the pie, sealed up in theprettiest Christmas envelope that I can paint. " III. "Aunt Bettie, what are _you_ going to put in the pie? For you knoweverybody must put in something to please grandfather or make himlaugh, " asked Alsie, after detailing the plan to the dear old blackmammy, who had been grandmother's maid when she was a young lady inthe long years ago. Aunt Bettie was considerably beyond sixty, but not many young "niggers"could get around as lively as she, and no one, who had ever dined inthat household, could doubt her ability to cook the best meal everbrought to a table. "Nevah you min', honey--Aunt Bettie'll have somethin' fur deoccasion--it's a shame dat doctah won't let Captain Gordon hab no pienor nuthin', but makes him eat jest dem beat biscuits, when he likes desoft ones so much de best. I'll be ready, chile, on de day 'foreChristmas, so don' you worry yourse'f 'bout me. " "But you mus'n't make him anything that is bad for him, Aunt Bettie. Hecan't eat the plum pudding, and other rich goodies like the rest of us, you know, because he is too ill and the doctor won't allow it, " answeredAlsie anxiously. "I'll 'member _all_ dat, " laughed Aunt Bettie reassuringly, as the childdeparted from the kitchen, but a feeling of sadness came to the faithfulold soul as she recalled the festivities of the year before, whenChristmas dinner had been prepared for the whole family of children andgrandchildren, and the thought of how the dear head of the family hadenjoyed that occasion brought tears to her eyes. * * * * * Such conversations were being held every day, and the days were passing, too, with astonishing rapidity, just as they always do when one isdeeply interested in some absorbing project. Aunt Alice had been receiving, daily, numerous letters--severalcontaining checks--and little Alsie's correspondence had suddenly grownto enormous proportions. Uncle Dick came in one evening, and slipping a gold piece into hissister's hand remarked, "_I_ can't think of a thing for that pie, Alice. I'm sorry to be so stupid, but I'll have to ask you to take this and seewhat your clever brain can do with it. " "O, Dick, it will make a grand 'plum' for the pie. I'll put it in, justin this form, for I want all the money entrusted to me, as agent, to gotoward providing for father, comforts and luxuries, such as we might notbe able to afford under ordinary circumstances. And yet, it's almostimpossible to know exactly how to spend it just now, " replied Alice. After a little pause she added, "I believe I'll just put the gold piecesand checks into a little box and label it, 'Fruit for the Pie. ' Mybiggest check may truly be termed a _peach_, and I can convert one ortwo others into plums and raisins. " "I think I know of several plums that will be forthcoming if that's youridea, sis--it's a capital one, too, " answered Dick. "I confess I'mgetting quite interested in the contents myself, and two or three timesI've come near asking about the progress of the pie, before mother, forgetting that she's to share in the great surprise. " "O, Dick, _do_ be careful, for we have arranged it all so nicely, and inanother week we'll be making up that pie, so don't spoil our plans now, for how much more father will enjoy it if his dear little 'wifey' sharesthe pleasure also. And, by the way, Dick, that reminds me of somethingthat must go in for mother. A few days ago, when I was sitting withfather, he directed me to get a trifling gift for mother, but with hisold-time humor he said, 'I believe the most acceptable gift that I couldmake Wifey would be all the receipts of the bills that have come in, forthe little woman has worried considerably over the number and amounts. Igot in a pretty good check several days ago, but I'll not give any giftsthis year--the money must go to pay these extra expenses that have beeninevitable. I wish you'd see to it that Wifey has as big a bunch aspossible of receipted bills. It's the best I can do this year, and youall understand. '" "Wasn't it dear of him, Dick, and who but father would have thought ofmaking a joke of something, which might seem to some, only a tryingduty?" "It just shows us again the sort of manly man father has always been;but Alice, I had an idea that it would be a nice thing to take thatlittle poem father wrote to mother last Christmas--the one he presentedwith his gift--and have an illuminated copy made of it for mother's giftthis Christmas. It pleased her so much at the time, and, in this form, it could be framed prettily and hung over her bed. You remember thelines--I have them in my pocket now. " He unfolded the sheet of paper, and handed it to Alice, who read aloud: MY BEST CHRISTMAS GIFT. Some two score years, and more ago, A father gave his child away: It was a Christmas gift, you know, Because 'twas done on Christmas Day. That little maid was given to me; I took her then for weal or woe. The years have passed so happily It does not seem so long ago. No other gift in any year Has e'er excelled, or equaled this; The others evanescent were While this has shed perennial bliss. For it has multiplied with time And added blessings, year by year; She came to me in youthful prime And still remains, though in the sere. Her children, and their children, too, In number, just about a score, -- I count, as blessings, to her due: May God repeat His gift once more. My little wifey, always dear, When Christmas comes, I think back then And greet you with increasing cheer, My Christmas Gift, returned again. "It's a beautiful idea, Dick, but it won't do now. There's too muchpathos in it for this occasion. When I read the lines myself, I amblinded with tears, for I realize all too keenly that we may not havehim another Christmas. Some time, it may be a great comfort to motherto have it. Keep the idea in mind and work it out some day. " So the little poem was folded up and laid away for another year. IV. Several days passed and grandfather seemed to improve. The spirit ofChristmas pervaded everything, and even the invalid playfully askedAlsie if she could give him a hint as to what he might find in his sockon the eventful morning. Uncle Dick had been instructed to bring homeall the Santa Claus posters that might be found in the newspaper officeor bookshop, and there was already quite a stack of colored pictures onhand, showing Santa Claus in every stage of his wonderful yearly tripround the earth. Both Alices had spent some time selecting the littlewhite Santa and sleigh for the top of the pie. The reindeer werehitched, tandem style, to the sleigh, harnessed and reined with thegayest red ribbon. The packages and letters began to come, in considerable numbers, duringthe next few days, and several more "plums" were given into Alice'scare, not to mention the _dates_, raisins, currants, and the like, forevery check or coin was classified with the _fruit_, for the _filling_of the pie. It began to look as if that pie was to be a very rich oneafter all. One morning, several days before Christmas, Mrs. Gordon came out of thesick-chamber, to the breakfast table, with a beaming face, saying: "Captain Gordon spent the best night he has had in months, and he feelsso bright and well that he wants to be brought into the library and restawhile on the couch there. " What joy this announcement brought to them all! The rolling chair wasdrawn forth, and little Alsie led the way from one room to another withfeet that fairly danced. No ill effects followed the experiment, and it was repeated the next daywith even greater success. It really appeared that some of the mostpersistent features of Captain Gordon's illness were yielding, perhaps, to the treatment--at any rate, the beloved invalid was better, and theleaden weight of apprehension, which had so burdened the hearts of eachone of them, was disappearing and a wonderful joy was taking its place. A white-winged, invisible guest had arrived, before time, to spend theChristmastide with them. It was the Angel of Hope, sent by the pityinghand of the Father in Heaven, and with it came peace, joy, love, andmerriment. What a host of Christmas cards came in, on the morning mail, justpreceding Christmas Day. Little Alsie was almost wild to begin work onthe pie. After breakfast, Aunt Alice said calmly, "Alsie, come with me, for I have an important errand, and would like to have company. " "O, Auntee, how _can_ you be so composed when there's such a big pileof bundles in your bedroom closet, and have you seen the lovely palmsent to grandfather by the members of his literary club? It's a beauty, and so big that it looks almost like a small tree!" They wended their way to Alice's room, and locked the door. Going to thecloset, Alice brought forth the largest round hat-box that any of themhad ever seen. It must have been two feet or more in diameter, but itwas only seven or eight inches high. The Christmas paper was next brought out, and what a wonderful varietythere was--Santa Claus, in all phases of his yearly trip, was picturedon some rolls, while festoons of holly and ribbon were outlined againsta background of white on others. After considerable discussion and comparing of effects, it was finallydecided that the outside crust of the pie should be of white paper, decorated in holly and ribbon, so the needles and pastepot were bothused in preparing the lower portion of the box. The top was treated inan entirely different fashion. It was covered over with the whitest ofwhite cotton batting, and the glistening little sleigh was securelyfastened to the center of the top. Fragments of the cotton fell over theedges, and when Alice sprinkled over this, the "diamond dust, " it lookedas if real icicles were dropping from a bank of glistening snow. "Auntee, it's the prettiest thing I've ever seen!" exclaimed Alsieenthusiastically, after the lining had been neatly pasted in. Then began the work of fixing up the packages to fill the pie. AuntBettie's contribution was unique--a beaten-biscuit gentleman, sometwelve inches tall, who was certainly most "fearfully and wonderfully"made. The eyes, which had been so carefully put in with a fork, werea little too close together, and the dough nose, which had been soanxiously applied, had risen unduly in the baking, to the greatdetriment of the biscuit gentleman's appearance. The mouth was allright, however--big and smiling. His legs looked very much like he hada bad case of locomotor ataxia, but the buttons on his coat were quiteregular and his arms hung at his sides like ramrods. After careful inspection which occasioned considerable laughter, thebeaten-biscuit man was rolled up in tissue paper and placed in aChristmas box "just his size. " On the card was this message: "The Biblesays, 'Love your enemies'--here is an enemy for you to conquer, " for itwas a well-known fact that grandfather found it hard to overcome hisdislike of the "hardtack, " as he denominated the beaten biscuit preparedfor him. [Illustration: AUNT BETTIE'S CONTRIBUTION WAS UNIQUE--A BEATEN-BISCUITGENTLEMAN, SOME TWELVE INCHES TALL. ] The doctor's turkey was next inspected--a nice little brown roasted fowlin appearance, but in reality one of the cunning little pasteboarddevices that Alsie had so often seen in the confectioners' shops. Therewas plenty of stuffing too, for Dr. Emerson had filled it full of pillsand capsules. There were pink pills and blue pills and green pills andlavender pills, and hidden among them was the prescription, with oneend sticking out of the opening. It read: "For Captain Gordon--Pillsof every color, size, and variety, warranted to cure every known painor ache--to be taken with your Christmas pie. " The little turkey wascarefully wrapped in tissue paper and garnished with a spray of holly. Next came the tiny basket of fresh eggs from the merry little next-doorneighbor, whose big, fine chickens had been coaxed to lay a dozen eggsfor the Christmas pie. The basket would not hold the dozen--O no! forits greatest capacity was four; but the remaining eight were set away ina safe corner of the pantry. The four eggs were laid in a perfect nestof red and white tissue paper, and holly and ribbon were twined roundthe edges and handle of the basket. On the card was written thefollowing bit of rhyme: "Now, what can be nicer Than for folks to remember The friends that they love With _fresh eggs_ in December?" "We shall have to get help, Alsie--just look at the books to be put in, and half the presents sent by the children must be wrapped and tied up, for you know every single thing must have a ribbon attached, by which itis to be pulled out of the pie. " So Alsie was cautiously sent out to get her cousin Emily, the oldestgranddaughter in the family, a quiet young girl of fourteen, who wasexceedingly fond of reading. "For goodness sake, let's get the books all in the pie before Emily getshere, Auntee, for she will want to read a little out of each one to seewhat it is like, and we'll get no help from her, " exclaimed Alsie. Aunt Alice laughed, and replied, "Well, we must get through this worksomehow, for Uncle Dick is coming out early this afternoon with thecedar, holly, and mistletoe, and will help us decorate the library. Speaking of cedar, let me show you what dear Aunt Cecile has sent inher Christmas box, besides the gifts. " Taking off the top, Alice lifted out a huge bunch of beautiful galaxleaves and another of the daintiest sprays of evergreen. "Just a suggestion of the bracing mountain air which you are to enjoywith me as soon as you are well enough to travel, " was the message thatcame with it, for Aunt Cecile lived far away in a mountain climate, andwas deeply disappointed at not being able to spend this holiday seasonat home, as she had intended. All sorts of curiously shaped packageswere taken out and laid aside for the various members of the household, but the largest share was to go in the pie. Tiny Bess had made a bigshaving-ball at kindergarten, and this was sent to grandfather witha Christmas greeting. Bobby's contribution was a highly decoratedthree-layer blotter with grandfather's name and address in red ink onthe top layer. It was not a thing of beauty, being the work of his ownclumsy little hands, but he felt sure it would be appreciated, for hehad heard grandfather wish so often that "somebody" wouldn't take awaythe blotters from his desk. "I have such a cute little lemon that I want to put in the pie, Auntee, and yet I don't know exactly _how_ to work it in. It would be too unkindto say that anybody would 'hand out a lemon' to dear, sick grandfather, but it's so tiny and cunning--hardly bigger than a lime. The grocerymanfound it in a box of lemons and gave it to me, asking if I neededanything that size for the pie--you know I told him all about it. Hesaid there was nothing in his Christmas stock too good for the Captain, and he'd like to send something, but it really seemed like all hisgoodies were forbidden fruit. " "We'll put the message in with the lemon, Alsie, and that will make itboth funny and kind. " So the tiny specimen was done up in a dainty boxand on the large card was written: "The groceryman offered his choicestock of figs, dates, confections, and fruits for Captain Gordon'sChristmas pie, but found nothing acceptable but a small-sized lemon, which he presents with the hope that it will furnish all the tartnessnecessary. " "Have you opened Aunt Margie's box yet?" was the question asked by Alsieas the work of filling the pie was drawing to a close. "I opened that some days ago, " replied Alice, with a smile. "There werea good many things in that box for general distribution, and, by theway, Alsie, this goes into the pie, but I think it will interest you asmuch as father. " She had stepped to her dresser, and opened a drawer while speaking, andnow held up to view what seemed to be simply an envelope. On turning itover, however, a pretty little border of holly was disclosed, paintedaround the edges. "A Reminiscence" was written in the center. "What is it, Auntee?" exclaimed Alsie, reaching out her hand. "We'll let you guess awhile, dearie. I am going to drop it in the pienow, and _that_ will be one of the surprises that you will enjoy withgrandpa. " Alsie was quite curious over the Reminiscence, and wondered what itcould contain to be of such interest to her. "Well, I won't have to wait long, anyhow, " she finally exclaimed, witha laugh. "One of the presents will have to stay on ice until to-morrow morning, "explained Alsie to Emily, "but we'll show you the card. It's from Mr. McDonald, the druggist. He's been on a little hunting trip and thismorning sent over the finest, fattest little quail you ever saw. On thecard was written: 'Dear Captain: I filled this prescription for youmyself, independent of the doctors, but I think they will approve. Takeit to-morrow at one o'clock and see if you don't feel better. ' Isn't ita cunning idea? It is to be the last thing put in before grandfather isbrought into the library, Emily, so don't let us forget it. " "I won't, " promised Emily; "but where are you going to put all thosebottles of wine and brandy, Aunt Alice? Do you think the pie will holdthem?" "If that problem puzzles you, just _how_ do you suppose we are going toget _this_ in the pie?" replied Alice, lifting from its position behindthe bed a box so huge that the pie itself seemed almost diminutive incomparison. "O, Auntee, " cried Alsie in astonishment, "do tell us what it is!" For answer Alice set the box on the bed, untied the string, and liftedoff the top. A dainty and beautiful silken comfort was disclosed to theview of the admiring group. The background was of white, and scatteredover it were clusters of the most exquisitely colored pink roses andgreen leaves. The edges were prettily bound with satin ribbon of anold-rose shade, and a huge bow adorned the center. "It is made of the warmest and softest wool, and every stitch was put inby hand, " murmured Alice softly, smoothing the comfort caressingly. "Itis beautiful to look at, but by far the most beautiful part to fatherwill be the thought that every one of his teachers wished to have a handin the giving of his Christmas gift, and to this end they came together, with needles and thimbles, and the stitches were veritably put in withlove. " "But the pie won't hold it, Aunt Alice--what are you going to do aboutit?" inquired practical little Emily. "This big box goes behind the piano, and any other packages that can'tbe accommodated inside the pie, will be hidden around in various otherlittle corners of the room. My plan is to have the _cards_ in the pie, however, and as they are drawn out, the directions as to where thepackages they represent are deposited, can be followed. Is that a goodidea, Alsie, or do you think of something better?" "It can't be improved upon, Auntee--you always think of the best plans. But let's hurry up now and finish, for the pie is about as full as itwill hold. " A half hour more of work, and the pie was finished. V. The workers were all quite ready to do justice to the lunch spread outfor them by Aunt Bettie. Uncle Dick came in during the meal, exclaiming, "O, do save me a sandwich, Alsie, for I'm almost starved!" "Where's the holly? Did you get any mistletoe? Are there any wreaths? Isthere plenty of cedar?" were the questions poured out upon him before hehad opportunity to sit down. "Yes, to all the questions, and I'll begin work just as soon as I rest abit and eat a bite, " laughingly answered Uncle Dick. "Does that satisfyall parties?" Uncle Dick was a great favorite with the children in the family--heloved them and seemed to find genuine pleasure in playing, talking, andromping with the "small fry, " so it was not surprising that they shouldtake almost complete possession of him whenever he came. "Your father's improvement continues, " said Mrs. Gordon with a happysmile, in reply to her son's question as to how the invalid was feeling. "He seems so bright and well to-day and sat in the invalid chair thismorning for more than an hour. I think he is surely gaining strength atlast. " "He's looking forward toward to-morrow with lots of pleasure, too, " saidAlsie. "Yesterday, when I was in his room, he asked what I expected tofind in my stocking, and playfully suggested that he and I would haveto be careful not to get our stockings mixed. Do you know, Uncle Dick, I had hardly given a moment's thought to what I was going to get, forI have been so busy----" Alsie caught herself just in time to keep from disclosing the secret tothe busy little grandmother, who, a few moments later, hurried out ofthe dining room to resume once more her position in the sick-chamber. "Look out the window, Alsie!" exclaimed Emily at this point, "it lookslike our hopes for a white Christmas are going to be realized. " Sure enough, the snow was falling fast and the ground already began tolook white. "If it just keeps up, Auntee, won't we have a beautiful Christmas?"exclaimed Alsie enthusiastically. Alice had been looking out, too, andthe shadow of doubt pulled at her heart-strings. _Could_ it be the last Christmas--O, surely such a terrible sorrow wasnot in store for them all! What would the merry season be without him? These were the thoughts that flashed through her mind, but at the soundof the clear little voice beside her, she dismissed them and answeredcheerily, "I think we are going to have a beautiful Christmas--in everyway--but it's time to be about our work now. Ask Uncle Dick if he leftthe cedar out on the porch. " The cedar was brought in--likewise the holly and mistletoe--and oh, howpretty the red berries looked, and how pretty the garlands of evergreenlooked when tied up with the crimson ribbons! "How do you like these?" called Uncle Dick as he smoothed out a greatroll of posters. "I picked them up around the office, and thought theywould help in the decorations. " Alsie and Emily were filled with delight at sight of the great colorednewspaper sheets, covered with all manner of pictures of the dear oldsaint. There he was just ready to climb down the chimney--another posterpictured him on his annual journey driving his reindeer over the snowyground. And so on--it seemed as if every stage of the Christmas trip hadbeen photographed in colors. "I will pin this life-sized portrait of Santa Claus over the fireplacehere, " said Uncle Dick, "and you two girlies may get busy at once makinggarlands of evergreen to drape about him, and also over these others, for they must all have a touch of green; isn't that so, Alice?" "By all means, " answered his sister, with a laugh. "It's really a veryclever idea, Dick, to bring all these posters out, for they give afestive touch to our decorations. " After two hours of hard work, in which hammer, nails, and stepladderplayed a considerable part, the library was almost transformed inappearance. Every window and picture was festooned with Christmas green, and the merry face of Santa Claus was visible from the bookcases, thedesk, and many other nooks about the room. "What about the pie, Auntee? Aren't we ready for it now?" questionedAlsie and Emily with impatience, as a general survey of the room wastaken. "This is just the time where we will have to be very careful, " was thereply. "Alsie, suppose you and Emily offer to walk out with grandmotherwhen she goes to meet Aunt Martha and little James, on the five o'clocktrain, and as soon as you get her safely out of the house Uncle Dick canbring the pie and other things into the library, where we can all havea hand in fixing it up later. Of course I shall carry the key to thelibrary the rest of the evening, for after keeping the secret this long, I am determined that mother shall have as much of the surprise andpleasure as father. " Seeing a look of disappointment on the two little faces at the ideaof being banished just at the most interesting stage of the fun, Alicecontinued reassuringly, "It is almost train time now, chicks, and youknow I can't go with grandmother to-day, so practice the Golden Rule andrun along. After your return from the station, you may come again to thelibrary for, as you know, grandmother will want to have a good hour'sconversation with Aunt Martha before tea-time. " No further urging was necessary. The two girls skipped away cheerfully, and a few minutes later were out in the snowstorm with the littlegrandmother between them, all three being well bundled up in coats andovershoes. In less than an hour they had returned, the greetings were over, grandmother had taken Aunt Martha off to her room for the predictedchat, and the two little girls were taking their cousin James to thelibrary. He had been told about the pie and was curious to know what itreally looked like, for James was not gifted with a vivid imagination. He soon found out, however. Aunt Alice had covered over the entire topof the old mahogany library table with soft cotton, and hanging fromthe edges was a deep border of the lovely Christmas paper which is usedso much in these latter days for decorations. Around the edges were laidsprays of the rarer and more delicate evergreen sent from the Southby the loving daughter. In the center rose the pie, and over all wassprinkled the glistening powder, which gave the whole an appearance ofreal snow. It was, in truth, a wonderful creation, and the childrengazed at the lovely vision in speechless delight. "The big box, containing the comfort, is behind the piano, James, andthere are lots of other things, too big to go in the pie, stowed away inthe various corners of the room, but the cards are all in the pie, andeach tells just where to find a package. Some lovely flowers and plantshave been sent in this afternoon, but we'll wait until morning to bringthem into the library. There is the couch close beside the fireplace, and if dear father is just able to be brought in to-morrow I think hewill fully enjoy the Christmas we have had so much pleasure in preparingfor him. Suppose we go out now, for it is tea-time, and, besides, almosteverything has been done. " So saying, Alice turned to the door. The little party hastened out, andits members were soon engaged in a romp with Uncle Dick in the sittingroom. VI. A more beautiful Christmas Day could scarcely have been imagined thandawned the next morning. The earth was covered with a carpet of snow, and the trees seemed to glisten with diamonds as the sun rose, althoughthe air was crisp and frosty. "Merry Christmas!" sounded in Alice's ears before she had fully wakened, and looking round with a somewhat sleepy expression she beheld the formof her beloved pet, arrayed in pink dressing-gown and slippers. Abeaming smile adorned the face of the little girl, although the greetinghad been so subdued as to be scarcely more than a whisper. "I just couldn't wait to show you how well I look in them!" exclaimedAlsie as she jumped into bed with Alice, and almost smothered her withhugs and kisses. "You can always think of the prettiest things for me, dear Auntee, and I do love pink so dearly, " she continued with anaffectionate glance at the pretty slippers, adorned with the daintiestof ribbon rosettes. "Did grandfather have a good night? Do you think he will be able to comeinto the library?" "One question at a time, dear. I rather think father had a good rest, for I heard the nurse only once during the night, and that is a goodindication. If he is as well as he was yesterday, I feel sure Dick canbring him into the library, and the couch is there, so that he can liedown if he gets tired. " Almost an hour was spent in showing the contents of Alsie's stocking anddiscussing plans for the day. "Perhaps we had better get dressed now, and be ready for breakfast whenit comes, but of course we mustn't disturb father, even though it _is_Christmas morning, " said Alice with a smile, and she began to make hastewith her toilet. "Have you ever noticed what a long wait people have for breakfast onChristmas morning, Auntee?" "That's because some people rise at such unearthly hours, " answeredAlice with a laugh, "but run along now, Alsie, and let's see which willbe dressed first. " An hour later found the family grouped around the breakfast table. Eachmember had been in to the sick-room and given his greeting to the dearinvalid, who had appeared so bright and cheerful that he seemed almostlike his old merry self. When Alsie was recounting to him all the prettythings she had found in her stocking, he said, teasingly, "Now don't getinto mine, too--I'm going to wait until Uncle Dick and his little totscome before I take my allotted hour in the library. " By ten o'clock Uncle Dick's family had arrived, and the big, stalwartson went into the sick-room to assist the pale, weak father into thelibrary. A pang came to the heart of the former as he thought of what acontrast was this Christmas with the one of a year before, when the nowwasted form had been so vigorous and handsome. A feeling of misgivingcame as to what the next Christmas would bring to them. When the chair was rolled into the library, what a sight was displayedto the wondering eyes of the astonished old gentleman! The room was almost transformed in appearance with the elaboratedecorations, and, added to this feast for the eyes, was the perfumeof fresh flowers, for several boxes of roses and carnations had comein with Christmas greetings during the early hours of the morning. Grandfather's breath was almost taken away. He looked at the eagerfaces gathered all round him, and said helplessly, "What does it mean?I don't exactly understand. " "It's _your_ Christmas pie, grandfather, for we couldn't let the daygo by without your having a taste. When you find all the good thingsthat are in that pie I don't think you'll feel slighted, even if AuntBettie's _mince_ pie is denied, " exclaimed Alsie enthusiastically. "Yes, light in, " added Uncle Dick, "and I'm here to help you, so we'llstation ourselves around the fire and all assist _you_ to enjoy it, slice by slice. " For a little while, however, it was only inspected, as Alice told thestory of how the idea had come to little Alsie, and how all of them hadassisted in working it out. Uncle Dick finally lifted off the top and aperfect network of narrow Christmas ribbons was disclosed. "Each ribbon holds a dainty morsel, " said Emily, as grandfather reachedforth his hand to grasp one. The first "draw" was a fortunate one, forit proved to be a tender note of love and greeting from one of his mostfaithful and valued friends. The next brought forth Aunt Bettie'sbiscuit man, which looked so funny that every one burst into laughter. Then books and presents of many varieties followed. Every few minutes acard would be drawn out bearing a message from some dear relative orfriend in a distant city or State. These tender reminders that so manyof his friends were thinking of him with affection and sending him suchcordial good wishes and hopes for recovery seemed to please CaptainGordon greatly. As for the little "wifey"--she just sat at her husband's side andenjoyed the same measure of surprise and pleasure. The package of receipted bills--gorgeously done up in Christmasstyle--was not forgotten, and brought forth the predicted satisfaction, even if there was considerable laughing also. "Handle this with care, " laughed Uncle Dick, as he gayly lifted out thetiny basket of eggs. "This is one slice of the pie at least that you caneat. " The lemon was pulled out in the course of time and proved not to be toosour for enjoyment. Alsie waited patiently for the envelope containingthe "Reminiscence, " and at last, when it came forth, she drew very closeto grandfather to watch him open it. A puzzled look was on his face ashe unfolded several yellow sheets of paper and recognized his ownhandwriting. He began to read a few lines, however, and a kindly smilespread over his countenance. "I rather think this will interest somebody else, too. Suppose you readit aloud, Dick, " remarked grandfather. It was dated ten years before, and proved to be one of the vivid, interesting letters that none could write so well as Captain Gordon. It was written at the time of Alice's memorable year's trip abroad withsome friends. Alsie was then a tiny girl of two years. The letter gavea detailed account of one of baby's escapades. It read as follows: "The Old Kentucky Home. "My dear Alice: "It pleases me greatly to know that my young daughter is having such a glorious time abroad with her friends, even though I do miss her sorely at home. The letter written by me a day or two ago, which will probably reach you along with this, informs you that we are all well at home, and it contains as much neighborhood gossip as Wifey was able to think of at the hour of my writing, along with considerable instruction about certain points in sightseeing. Your letter this morning, telling the amusing little story of the Italian baby, made me wonder if you wouldn't like a 'baby letter' in return. So here is the answer: "Last Sunday morning your little namesake was dressed up in her prettiest white dress, with an abundance of blue ribbon adornment, and seated on the front porch, with careful instruction not to soil her clothes but to wait for mother to get ready to escort her to Sunday-school. It developed later that the first part of the injunction seemed to make an impression to the exclusion of the last order. At any rate, Alsie's mamma was somewhat delayed in her preparations, and when, twenty minutes or half an hour later, she appeared on the porch, no baby was in sight. A number of calls brought forth no response; a messenger was dispatched to the back lot, where the dandelions grow, another to the north side of the house, where the little maiden has been so occupied recently picking violets, while still other couriers were hastily despatched to all the neighbors. The report came back from all--no baby girl had been seen by anybody. The situation began to be a little alarming. The messengers were again started out, with instructions to go farther and report at once if any trace was found. "Ten or fifteen minutes passed, and by this time Alsie's mamma was in a most excited state of mind, as you may well imagine, and felt perfectly sure that the little curly-headed damsel had been kidnaped. She was reproaching herself roundly for putting such a tempting morsel of humanity right into the hands of the cruel villians, when a sharp ring of the telephone brought the remnant of the family, who were not on searching duty, flying to the table in the hall, which as you know holds the receiver. "Being the least agitated member of the group, I boldly called 'hello, ' and was asked by a masculine voice if Mrs. Stratton's little daughter didn't have blue eyes and brown hair and if she wore a white dress with blue---- "It was not necessary to finish the description. My informant then stated that the little lady in question was at that moment occupying a high seat on top of the counter at the drug store, which you know is some five blocks away, and was surrounded by an admiring group of men and boys, to whom she was affably chatting. He said that she refused to be led away, but was quite happy to eat the candy, chew the gum, and play with the various other offerings that were handed out by the amused group of auditors. "Of course I started at once, and a few moments later I walked in on the baby, who was sitting, according to description, on the counter, explaining, 'Must keep dress kean--mamma take me Sunny Sool. ' When I entered she held out her little hands to me with such an innocent, happy smile that I had not the heart to scold; but it was some time before I could persuade her to return to poor mamma, to whom the scant hour's parting seemed almost a year. "You can imagine the rest of the story, but to relieve your misgivings I'll assure you that the cunning little tot escaped the well-merited punishment. "This is quite a letter, so I'll wait a few days to write again. As you're probably in France by this time, I'll close my letter with an _au revoir_. Yours, &c. , R. A. Gordon. " Alsie's cheeks glowed with excitement during the reading of this letter, and at its close she exclaimed, "O, Auntee, have you had it all theseyears and never showed it to me?" "It was among my foreign letters, dear, and I had not thought of itfor some time, but I well remember what a pleasure it was to read thatletter and hear of the escapade of the dear little baby namesake athome. I have always meant to show it to you when you were old enough toenjoy it, " answered Alice. After a good deal of laughter and comments among the various membersof the family, the card bearing the order to look behind the piano onthe left side was pulled out of the pie, and Uncle Dick was dispatchedfor the package. It proved to be the huge box containing the silkencoverlet. Grandmother's enthusiasm was awakened at the sight, and shecommented many times on its softness, warmth, and beauty. Books, cards, and gifts of all descriptions from the little tots, weretaken out, inspected and complimented, to the immense satisfaction ofthe younger members of the family and the entertainment of the olderones of the group. It really seemed impossible to empty that pie, but after an hour or morehad been spent in the occupation the ribbons began to grow thin. "This is to be the last one, " said Alice, slipping her hand over aribbon that Captain Gordon was just about to pick up. "All right--just as you like. There have been so many goodies in thispie that I hardly see how it would be possible for anything better tobe saved for the last, " answered Captain Gordon with a loving smile. The last ribbon was finally drawn, and tied to the end was the "boxof fruit" that Alice had taken such pains to make attractive. CaptainGordon slowly untied the ribbon and took the top off the box. He pickedup a small sealed envelope bearing the inscription, "A plum from Dick, "and in it was a shining gold piece. Each little envelope (and there werequite a number) contained a peach, a plum, a raisin, a currant, or adate. The "plums" were all gold pieces, but the checks were put in underother names--according to their value--and the silver pieces and brightpennies were all in the raisin and currant envelopes. One envelope, bearing the name "Date, " when opened disclosed a smallcard on which was written: CHRISTMAS DAY. When I "call to see" you, this "date" will be exchanged for a "plum. " HAROLD. This occasioned a laugh, and Mrs. Gordon began at once to sum up thetotal. "It's to buy you anything you want--a comfort and luxury fund, "explained Alice, "and all the members of the family join together ingiving it. " "Grandfather, we hardly knew what to call your pie. It was not a chickenpie, even though it did contain a bird and a turkey. It was not a lemonpie, even if there was a lemon in it. It could not be called an apple, peach, cherry or mince pie, though there _was_ plenty of fruit in thatbox, wasn't there?" said Alsie, with a laugh, when everything had beenexamined. "I think I shall call it my 'Love Pie, ' for never was a pie so highlyseasoned or delightfully flavored with love as this has been, " answeredgrandfather softly, "and I want the dear little girl who thought of itto know that I have enjoyed it more than any pie that I have ever eaten. " The invalid was a little wearied with the unusual excitement of themorning, and was soon ordered back to his bed for a little rest. In the afternoon Alice went into the sick-room for a chat, while hermother went out for a little walk in the fresh, crisp air. She told her father of how the silken comfort had been planned and made, and Captain Gordon, after a long pause, turned to her with what seemedto Alice the most beautiful expression she had ever seen on his face, and said, "Bring it to me, daughter. " She brought it forth and held it out to him that he might smooth itsfolds and look again at its rosy color. "Spread it over me, dear, and let it cover me--as long as I need it. " * * * * * And it covered him for the six weeks that it was needed, when it wasreplaced with a coverlet of roses and lilies provided by the same lovinghands.