Drawn by F. R. Gruger
Half-tone plate engraved by R. Varley
“‘JEEMS AND JOHN, THE MESSAGE COMES TO YOU THIS BRIGHT CHRISTMAS DAY STRAIGHT FROM THE TONGUE OF ANGELS.’” (SEE [PAGE 171])
⇒
LARGER IMAGE
At two o’clock Anne announced that she must depart, as it would be necessary to reach the half-way stop-over place, nine miles distant, by night.
“My young uns sets a nag uncommon’ well, from such constant practice going to school,” she said; “but I consider nine mile’ is about enough for ’em to travel in a day. And now,” she continued, flashing a smile at Christine, “being as we’re twins, I do hope you will use your endeavors to make me a visit before long. Seems like I have a mighty near feeling for you.”
A sudden thought came to Christine.
“Would you like me to come over and have my Christmas tree at your house?” she asked. “Father has promised that I may have one.”
“I don’t rightly know what a Christmas tree is,” said Anne, “but I will be proud to have you any time or season.”
Christine explained that a Christmas tree is simply a small evergreen tree on which at Christmas time presents and candy are hung for the children.