1948-12-18 — Page 25

THE CHINA MAIL, Christmas SUPPLEMENT, DECEMBER 10, 1948,

CHRISTMAS JOURNEY

THEY started off on the mor- ning of Boxing Day, not with Any particular destination mind, but rathor to escape the loneliness Inter

their which Christmas had thrust them. ing of bends that were their year-

To both of them had come thely gifts to each other, they be realization that Christmas war a thing of the post. But then they were both peoples of an era long gour and, as they thought, for- gotten.

Even the vehkle in which they travelled was antique, a relic of Mr. Todd's "musher" days, when it was the very last word and Year indispensable for courting. after year he had kept it, for av they grew older ind further away from the happy days, as Mr. Todd called them, the, vehicle seemed to bring to their lives a vestige of fust happiness.

came lost. Dinner was con- duetest affair, during which they ench passed the vegetables 10 other aul spoke of the days when Christus was really Christmas, and not just a period of radin entertainment. They want to be ut nine n'eluck, after Mr. Todd had decided that the weather would turn even milder and more unlike Christmas than ever.

But, perversely, now that they bud come so far from home, the wind seemed to be turning col- Yet any. (der, the sky more grey.

thing was better thu the fonoll- ness of the house and the_me- mories of the past. Mr.

There was rustling and laughter As people stepped forward to take their pink-and blue-wrapped rifts.

"...for any gentleman with a

"...for the tallest gentleman

Mrs. Todd sat in rigid silence | window-box..... as they drove down the lane 10- wards the church,

A cold mid-winter wind was sweeping, up from the valley, bringing with it a threat of snow, It seemed that the stark trees,

The Institute Hut was built of with their skeleton, interlacing

the leaden wood and raised off the earth on branches, supported weight of the sky, the while they piles of bricks. It was small, but moved slowly down towards the seemed to hold us many people village, from which rose plumesan Waterico Station ist, holiday of smoke and sounds of merrie week-end. ment.,

As they drove across a hump backed bridge spanning a frozen stecam, the Brst Cakes of snow begin to spill down like feathers.

The village was there before them, a single street stretching up the far side of the valley, with the church and school set slight- Todd fly upart down a narrow inne. Have his wife another rug to put Through the soft spilling of the over her knees, and they drove snowflakes, they un,

It was a car of the early years of the century: built high off the ground, the thick-spokest wheels worn tyres, rimmed with sulid the buck curving sharply ups velike pattern of wards, welaktes euvered the Button- studded holstery, through which tufts of course horsehair the town. stuffing krew like weeds. Thi start, Mat bonnet

A

endled in 2

could

see no

tealher of steam puting one. But, as if muted by distance from the front of the incredible | not the thickening whiteness, vehicle.

there ease the round of voices: The Twelve Days of Christmas.

Mr. Toddl chrove-coaxed the Estremming ear along the street.

They hard tow cute far from

"I suppose. Edward," Mrs, Tackl radiator Mankel by enormous Stid, "that by midday we shall acetylene lamps. The high vor. Het to a town where there is fleat windscreen Was A frume restaurant through whiel une could fengine fat-capped and bewhiske ve get- Hemen in dust-evats, acties In

souri-bound Juris

"Westwater, my dear It's about ten rette father on."

Ahead of them the road curled

To Mr. and Ms. Todd also through wouded Alupes. chung traces of

the Edwardian

day the gold ring therugh which

hh the Wen kauttel renatal the

deep collar: Ms. Tock!': faresoch a thing, of course, would not "front," with its high neck and its bone supports, and faut rarited and narrow-water blouses ant umbrella skirts.

but of course, People starel, that was imply the modern way; in the siect erFACE to which Mr. Todd returned in the even

ings from the Stock Exchange their neighbours had brcojne ar- rustomed to them. They treated with sume respect,

on

were

A Short Story By ALAN WYKES

It was enhbjed and produced from the ancient chassis a sound

"How pretty those #rs would jonk with snow on them. Edward; | of brass and of tinkling cymbul,

14] Christmas seple." But There could be no question of

any further driving.

Bad กาust

shelter, my dear," Mr. Todd Enid.

His wife, sniffing through her thin, bitter nostrils, soid tartly, "It would be simpler. Edward, if you were to get out and knock at the door of the cottage outside which we are sitting."

way.

very

happen

today. Strangely, the Peene was not Tamilar to Ms. Todel, though he thought he knew the Westwater coart fairly well. Was it possible that they had taken the wrong rout further buck, when they came to the Cork? However, be

There was no need for that: an would say nothing about it yet. Even if he Were wrong. the old man came out of the collage would come to a town sooner or as Mr. Todd climbed down. His

It seethed

kayappearance linked him to an age that was distant even when Mr. Jou They had climbed thin steep hill to the top of the whorl Todd hi bought his ear. But now, traveling

"Well," he said, "that's a ne el slopes and now the road run THE Boxing morning through

brougham ye've got there." Lean- un-down beneath in ovenal of gamal they Were trict, in which

twisted ash stick, he elms and benches to a Valley, Img on known, they attracted some at-

a vilaje,. with # REY looked at the lamps and the tyres: tention. Groups of small childs en was

the antique church on which was a curulless at the windscreen and finally at stopper to stare at

One or two of the par-muffer steeple like a thick, beck- Mrs. Todd. vehicle.

[1 s of Puts were ill-manned rough

Westwater, nor of any town. To nigh outright in the street..

Getting out, Mr. To put his But Mr. and Mrs. Todd sat in ear to the radiator. It was hot- hixh and sulflary dignity, nu ing and bubbling wat in protest elderly enuple Perole in years at the distance i mut been forced from even the rods along which to go without replenishment. they drove. Yet there clung to them a humility that had its own busty

They had not decided where util 1. Silent they woul consent had driven them from the plush and mahogany dining-room in which they had breakfasted,

Christmas Day had

proved anore than they could bear. After the morning greeting and the ox- change of the shirt and the str-

nger. But

"Merry Christmas, m'lady." His voice was aeronk from behind two aged teeth, but his

blur were bright

in is *yr? walnut-wrinkled face, "Ye'll be going to the party?"

wW. require shelier." Mrs. Toski sald.

the

The vicar, in a Santa Claus robe and clerical collar, stood at the door,

"Come in, come in," he said, "you're Just in time for the lancers.”

"for the newest bride.... People went, laughing, over to. the chuts against the wall to open their packages. Slowly the door became littered with red and green and orange string, scraps of coloured paper, tiny seals.

...for

the child with ihe

Mr. smallest doll..."

Mrs. Todd, In the dwindling crowd round the tree. stood watching.

out,

*We were not Invited. We ried..."

wanted"

"Of course;" the vicar said warmly, "everyone's invited. Come and join in.”

and

Still the presents were handed

to young and to old. "...for the couple longest mor-

"There seems to be something for everyone." Mrs. Todd said.

Mr. Todd, beakdo her, smiled. "Of course, T

my dear; it's a Christ- mas Party."

Among the flags and holly of That but was hung with chains | the stage the musle was heard of gay paper and ropes of tinsel; | again. The three old ladlos in paper bells swung in the air that velvet had been joined by Was rustling with a gentle fourth, whe sat in upright dignity, breeze. Along the far wall.

at the cottage piano. **Waves of Mr. Todd could see,,

the Ocean" trembled softly among the press of dancers,. n long table. covered with cakes, sandwiches, the puper chains and the mistle Jellies, and cold chicken. every lamp hung bunches of holly and misflctor, and in the centre

through

From

of the table was a Christmas Areo with its stur

among the roof beams.

"We always have a party," the vicar sak, and was gone,his red „robe swinging behind him, to be-

come a partner in the lancers.

The music came from the flute decorated singe at the end of the hut, where three all laries in velvet topped the flour with their buttoned boots ar they sat beribboned Windsor chairs.

Un

It was all most confusing. But samehow, without knowledge, re- quest, nor assent. Mr. and Mrs, Todd were suddenly in the midst of the confusion, passing beneath the steepled arms as they danced the Inncers, twirling round, frat with one partner then another, ant, as the music fuded in un outburst of clapping and laughter, they really didn't know if their feet and heads were their own. But then, as Mr. Todd remem- berest. it had

always been Bare strenuous dance, even for a young Sitting against the wall beneath a polled pulm, he look- ed at Mrs. Todel She was smail- ing. quite youthfully, he thought,

Then came a valeta. Mr. Tould "Ar. That's right, snow's lay-parmered a stout lady in sequin- old man suid. "Ye'll ned crepe. "I had no idea," he in, Brich um all in the Institute Hut." whispered as they linked arms, He waved his stick. "That's "that these old dances were still

"We shall have to Let some water from this village," he said. "Perhaps there they can also put us on the right road. We seem to have come astray."

Mrs. Todd sat in tight-lippert where 'um all are, right enough." silence. Really, it was too bar; And he hurried off to join 'um, the whirling of Edward-all thisay and then walking through not even on the right road; and fenthers of snow.

"There's nothing for it." Mr. was getting so cold, and so grey. She pulled the rug farther Todd said, "but to go to this In- round her knees and uljusted her siltufe Hul. It

Is there." tur boa closer to her throat.

MERRY

CHRISTMAS

Season's Greetings

AND

Best Wishes

FROM

seems everyone

FAR EAST MOTORS

CADILLAC

SUNSET #2119.00,

CHEVROLET

She seemed not to hear, or un- derstand he wasn't sure which, She said merely:

"Enjoy yourself while you're young, dearie. You're the sort that may forget how to when you get old." Such a strange thing to say-particularly as at that moment Mr. Todd felt' younger than he had for years. He saw his wife for n moment before the polka began.. He stood beside her beneath an oleograph of Queen Victoria. He was certain that her hair had lost its grey, but perhaps. It was just the yel- Jow light of the lamps that turn ed it back to the gold of their courting duys.

He had no time to wonder, for almost at once the music started again

and he found that the polka, which he thought he had forgotten, came as easily to his feet as though he had danced il yesterday.

Then suddenly he noticed

something else: everyono-oven

100,

Folk were now dancing again, or dashing to and from the long table, carrying plates of Sand- wiches, pink and white cakes, glasses of lemonade,

There were still a few presents on the tree...."for any loft

an embroidered Bentleman with walatcoat, ...

Then, in a few moments, there were only two packages left; and only Mr. and Mrs. Todd to ru ceive them.

"They must be for you," said the Bunta Claus vlear, and sead out the labels:

"For the lady

and gentleman who have come the farthest."

The music had stopped, and the vicar's voice sounded clearly.

"Oh," said Mr. Todd, yes, suppose that must be ui,"

Carrying their gifts, they walk- ed back through the dispersing dancers, but were caught in the dan sudden silence, as, on the stage. a long, tight-waisted a lady in

gloves, dress and elbow-length and a gentleman with a narrow white tię to bis evening dress,

10

"Rose began

sing.

Softly Blooming.”

The candles on the Christmas tree had burned quite low; and Mr. Todd remarked, "I feel quite fatigued with dancing, my dear."

Which was all just as it should be, of course. So much joy and laughter and music was opt to make one even when one young feel tire

WDB

"We have a long journey, Ed- word," said Mrs. Tord gently.

Strangely, Mr. Todd had for- gotten that. Even now he could not be completely surc where they had to go-it would come to him in a minute. First they

thank their host. must

He crossed to the vicar, who had taken off his red robe and was snuffing the last slump of candle on the tree.

"May 1" he said, "on behalf of Mrs. Toki and myself-er-thank

you"

But the vicar only siniled, and looked up at the empty, unlight- cd.tree.

Softly, the scent of the forest mingled with the smell of candle- wax, just as it had when they were young.

When they come out to the moonlit ΣΠΟΥ and ROW their motor-car standing waiting for them. Mr.

Todd

remembered where they had to go.

They wrapped up well, with the rugs tucked securely round their knees, for it was cold. The snow was no longer falling. lay on the valley like a flood of

the children-was dressed light. Lighted windows bloomed clothes that had been fashionable

when he was a boy,

flowerlike and in the sky were a million stars.

Just like the happy days, Mr. Todd thought, and swung thi of the anelent littered starting handle

So that, he thought, is why we were taken for guests. He re- membered how, nowndays, seemed that everyone when he and Mrs. Todd entered

a room, smiling at their outmod.

car.

They began to climb slowly out of the valley,. away from the vii-

Mdothes. It must be a fancy" | #BS: wonderful me, my dear.

dress party, he supposed regret- fully in a minute a jazz band and crooner would appear.

But nothing like that happened The vicar, holding his false beard in one hand and adjusting his robe with the other announced that the Male Voice Quartet would now render "The Holly and the Ivy," after which would

come

the interval for refreshments and the

distribution of gifts --from

Christmas tree.

The male voices, trimmed with Dundreary whiskers and handle. bar moustaches, proceeded to render.

"Your hair, my dear," said Mr. Todd. "It is really quite golden." "Of course, Edward dear," she said. She adjusted the tambo at her neck. "Had you not noticed

"A

Just

like the hú——— It was the

hoppy days, Ed- ward. We really went right back to them tonight,"

There was a quiet content in that his wife's voice, a softness had long been missing.

He didn't quite understand, but drove on, thinking.

Give

a...

Christmas

GROCERY DEPT. ·

Hamper No. 1 for $43.00

1 lb Box Neilson's Chocointes

1 tb Box Glace Fruita

1 Tin Plum Pudding

1 Jar Hartley's Strawberry Jam.

1 Tin Peaches

1 Tini Nestles Cream

1 Pkt. Jelly

I Pki, Figa

1 Tin Dried Ginger

11b Mixed Nuts

1.Pkt. Muscatels

1 Jar Mincomest

1 lb Tin Pascall Sweets

1. Tin Assorted Biscuits

WINE & SPIRIT DEPT.

Hamper No. 1 for $105.00

1 Bottle Scotch Whisky

Lusivini Vermouth

#4

Briere Brandy

Barsac

Got Freres

Liquer

1

Cherry Port.

Peppermint

Hamper No. 2 for $95.50

1 Bottle Scotch Whisky

Henrlot Champagne Manieù Brandy Lusivini Verminth Port Bola

Sandeman Gin,

Hamper No. 3 for $101.50

1 Bottle Scotch Whisky

>

Monte Crasto "Champagno Manleu Brandy Sandeman Gin

2 tins Capstan Cigarettes(50'x)

box Alhambra Corona Cigars (25)

Hamper No. 4 for $99.50

1 Bottle Scotch Whisky

"

Lusivint Vermouth Port

Henriot Campagne

2 tins Gold Flake Cigarettes (50')

1 box Alhambra Corona Cigars (25)

HAMPER

Toge #

Hamper No. 5 for $77.50

1 Bottle Scotch Whisky

Belero Brandy

Cherry Port

Kermann Liquer

Hamper No. 6 for $68.50

1 Bottle Scotch Whisky

"

Mahieu Brandy

Henriot Champagno

Lusivini Vermouth

Hamper No. 7 for $52.00

1. Bottle Hennessy Brandy Three Star

-Seagram's_Whisky

Gordon's Gin

Hamper No. 8 for $43.50 Bottle Canadian Club Whisky

Sherry

Jamaica Rum

Hamper No. 9 for $39,50

1 Bottle Hennesy Brandy Three Star

Seagram's Whisky

Hamper No. 10 for $30.00

1 Bottle Seagram's Whisky

1

"

Seagram's Gin.

CONFECTIONERY DEPT.

Hamper No. 1 for $23.50

8 bars Neilsons Chocolate

packet Welch's Sweets

B&H. Sweels

1 lb box Neilsons Assorted Chocolates

1 Tin Huntley & Palmers Biscuits

1 Tin Bonbon Chocolates

Hamper No. 2 for $19.90

1 Tin Huntley & Palmers Asseried

Naculis

1 lb Box Neilsons Chocolates

1 Packet B&il, Sweets

1 Tin Welch's Sweeta

1 Jar B&D, Sweets

Hamper No. 3 for $14.95

1 lb packet Marshmallows

.1b Box Sweets

4 bars Nellion Chocolates

1 in Cadburys Chocolate Biscuité

1 Jar B&D, Sweets

LANE, CRAWFORD,

Exchange Building. Hong Kong

01. Nathan Road, Kowloon

167-169, Prince Edward Road. Kowloon..

LTD.

.Telephone 28151 .Telephone 59022

Telephone 50834

Sat., 18th Dec. 9.00 to 5.00 p.m.—20th to 23rd Decembar, 9.00 to 6.00 p.m.

Jom Smart wants one more present in addition to the two shown here. The name of the third gift can be discovered by reading the pictures. What

He had, of course-years be fore. But lately......

"I don't think I quite ro- "Don't try to, dear," she said. He could nee now that it wasn't only her hair: It was her mouth and eyes. He took her hand and held it. "Don't try to remem- ber, Edward, dear; Just be here," So that was it. She had dis- covered the secrot sooner than

ht.

As the quartot rendered, as an encore, "God Rest You Merry," Mr. Todd watched the soft_des- cent of snow and the drifting whitness at the Windows corners. He abandoned..altogeiber, the knowledge of their journey to this place and the thought that presently they must retumMANN Thoninglong, suspiring breath of delight, the alferice was broken.

"Ohhhh!"

The vicar, his beard hooked askew, behind his ears, was al- ready cutting the first present, off

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