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diff --git a/old/23511-h.htm.2021-01-25 b/old/23511-h.htm.2021-01-25 new file mode 100644 index 0000000..e7f1353 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/23511-h.htm.2021-01-25 @@ -0,0 +1,1849 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + The Christmas Peace, by Thomas Nelson Page + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Christmas Peace, by Thomas Nelson Page + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Christmas Peace + 1908 + +Author: Thomas Nelson Page + +Release Date: November 16, 2007 [EBook #23511] +Last Updated: March 8, 2018 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE CHRISTMAS PEACE *** + + + + +Produced by David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + <div style="height: 8em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + THE CHRISTMAS PEACE + </h1> + <h2> + By Thomas Nelson Page <br /> <br /> Charles Scribner's Sons New York, 1908 + <br /><br /> Copyright, 1891, 1904, 1906 + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + Contents + </h2> + <table summary="" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto"> + <tr> + <td> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> I </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> II </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0003"> III </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0004"> IV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0005"> V </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0006"> VI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0007"> VII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0008"> VIII </a> + </p> + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + I + </h2> + <p> + They had lived within a mile of each other for fifty-odd years, old Judge + Hampden and old Colonel Drayton; that is, all their lives, for they had + been born on adjoining plantations within a month of each other. But + though they had thus lived and were accounted generally good men and good + neighbors, to each other they had never been neighbors any more than the + Lévite was neighbor to him who went down to Jericho. + </p> + <p> + Kindly to everyone else and ready to do their part by all other men, the + Draytons and the Hampdens, whenever they met each other, always passed by + on the other side. + </p> + <p> + It was an old story—the feud between the families—and, + perhaps, no one now knew just how the trouble started. They had certainly + been on opposite sides ever since they established themselves in early + Colonial days on opposite hills in the old county from which the two + mansions looked at each other across the stream like hostile forts. The + earliest records of the county were those of a dispute between one Colonel + Drayton and one Captain Hampden, growing out of some claim to land; but in + which the chief bitterness appeared to have been injected by Captain + Hampden's having claimed precedence over Colonel Drayton on the ground + that his title of “Captain” was superior to Colonel Drayton's title, + because he had held a real commission and had fought for it, whereas the + Colonel's title was simply honorary and “Ye sayd Collonel had never + smelled enough powder to kill a tom-cat.” + </p> + <p> + However this might be and there was nothing in the records to show how + this contention was adjudicated—in the time of Major Wil-mer Drayton + and Judge Oliver Hampden, the breach between the two families had been + transmitted from father to son for several generations and showed no signs + of abatement. Other neighborhood families intermarried, but not the + Drayton-Hall and the Hampden-Hill families, and in time it came to be an + accepted tradition that a Drayton and a Hampden would not mingle any more + than would fire and water. + </p> + <p> + The Hampdens were dark and stout, hot-blooded, fierce, and impetuous. They + were apparently vigorous; but many of them died young. The Draytons, on + the other hand, were slender and fair, and usually lived to a round old + age; a fact of which they were wont to boast in contrast with the briefer + span of the Hampdens. + </p> + <p> + “Their tempers burn them out,” the Major used to say of the Hampdens. + </p> + <p> + Moreover, the Draytons were generally cool-headed, deliberate, and + self-contained. Thus, the Draytons had mainly prospered throughout the + years. + </p> + <p> + Even the winding creek which ran down through the strip of meadow was a + fruitful cause of dissension and litigation between the families. “It is + as ungovernable as a Hampden's temper, sir,” once said Major Drayton, On + the mere pretext of a thunder-storm, it would burst forth from its banks, + tear the fences to pieces and even change its course, cutting a new + channel, now to one side and now to the other through the soft and loamy + soil. A lawsuit arose over the matter, in which the costs alone amounted + to far more than the value of the whole land involved; but no one doubted + that old Major Drayton spoke the truth when he declared that his father + would rather have lost his entire estate with all its rolling hills and + extensive forests than the acre or two which was finally awarded to Judge + Hampden. + </p> + <p> + As neither owner would join the other even in keeping up a partition + fence, there were two fences run within three feet of each other along the + entire boundary line between the two places. With these double fences, + there could hardly be peace between the two families; for neither owner + ever saw the two lines running side by side without at once being reminded + of his neighbor's obstinacy and—of his own. + </p> + <p> + Thus, in my time the quarrel between the Drayton-Hall people and the + Hampden-Hill folks was a factor in every neighborhood problem or + proposition from a “church dressing” or a “sewing society meeting” to a + political campaign. It had to be considered in every invitation and in + every discussion. + </p> + <p> + It is not meant that there was no intercourse between the two families. + Major Drayton and Judge Hampden regularly paid each other a visit every + year—and oftener when there was serious illness in one house or the + other—but even on such occasions their differences were liable to + crop out. One of them held an opinion that when one gentleman was spending + the night in another gentleman's house, it was the part of the host to + indicate when bedtime had arrived; whilst the other maintained with equal + firmness the doctrine that no gentleman could inform his guest that he was + fatigued: that this duty devolved upon the guest himself. This difference + of opinion worked comfortably enough on both sides until an occasion when + Judge Hampden, who held the former view, was spending the night at Colonel + Drayton's. When bedtime arrived, the rest of the household retired + quietly, leaving the two gentlemen conversing, and when the servants + appeared in the morning to open the blinds and light the fires, the two + gentlemen were still found seated opposite each other conversing together + quite as if it were the ordinary thing to sit up and talk all night long. + </p> + <p> + On another occasion, it is said that Major Drayton, hearing of his + neighbor's serious illness, rode over to make inquiry about him, and owing + to a slip of the tongue, asked in a voice of deepest sympathy, “Any hopes + of the old gentleman dying!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + II + </h2> + <h3> + Yet, they had once been friends. + </h3> + <p> + Before Wilmer Drayton and Oliver Hampden were old enough to understand + that by all the laws of heredity and custom they should be enemies, they + had learned to like each other. When they were only a few years old, the + little creek winding between the two plantations afforded in its strip of + meadow a delightful neutral territory where the two boys could enjoy + themselves together, safe from the interference of their grave seniors; + wading, sailing mimic fleets upon its uncertain currents, fishing + together, or bathing in the deepest pools it offered in its winding + course. + </p> + <p> + It looked, indeed, for a time as if in the fellowship of these two lads + the long-standing feud of the Hampdens and Draytons might be ended, at + last. They went to school together at the academy, where their only + contests were a generous rivalry. At college they were known as Damon and + Pythias, and though a natural rivalry, which might in any event have + existed between them, developed over the highest prize of the institution—the + debater's medal—the generosity of youth saved them. It was even said + that young Drayton, who for some time had apparently been certain of + winning, had generously retired in order to defeat a third candidate and + throw the prize to Oliver Hampden. + </p> + <p> + They came home and both went to the Bar, but with different results. Young + Drayton was learned and unpractical. Oliver Hampden was clever, able, and + successful, and soon had a thriving practice; while his neighbor's + learning was hardly known outside the circle of the Bar. + </p> + <p> + Disappointed in his ambition, Drayton shortly retired from the Bar and + lived the life of a country gentleman, while his former friend rapidly + rose to be the head of the Bar. + </p> + <p> + The old friendship might have disappeared in any event, but a new cause + arose which was certain to end it. + </p> + <p> + Lucy Fielding was, perhaps, the prettiest girl in all that region. Oliver + Hampden had always been in love with her. However, Fortune, ever + capricious, favored Wilmer Drayton, who entered the lists when it looked + as if Miss Lucy were almost certain to marry her old lover. It appeared + that Mr. Drayton's indifference had counted for more than the other's + devotion. He carried off the prize with a dash. + </p> + <p> + If Oliver Hampden, however, was severely stricken by his disappointment, + he masked it well; for he married not long afterward, and though some said + it was from pique, there was no more happily married pair in all the + county. + </p> + <p> + A year later a new Oliver came to keep up the name and tenets of the + Hampdens. Oliver Hampden, now the head of the Bar, would not have envied + any man on earth had not his wife died a few years later and left him + alone with his boy in his big house. + </p> + <p> + Lucy Drayton was born two years after young Oliver Hampden. + </p> + <p> + The mammies of the two children, as the mammies of their parents had done + before them, used to talk them over on the edge of the shaded meadow which + divided the places, and thus young Oliver Hampden, a lusty boy of five, + came to know little Lucy Drayton fully three years before his father ever + laid eyes on her. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Hampden was riding around his fences one summer afternoon, and was + making his way along the double division line with a cloud on his brow as + the double rows recalled the wide breach with his neighbor and former + friend, and many memories came trooping at the recollection. Passing + through a small grove which had been allowed to grow up to shut off a part + of his view of the Drayton place, as he came out into the meadow his eye + fell on a scene which made him forget the present with all its wrongs. On + the green turf before him where butter-cups speckled the ground with + golden blossoms, was a little group of four persons busily engaged and + wholly oblivious of the differences which divided the masters of the two + estates. The two mammies were seated side by side on a bank, sewing and + talking busily—their large aprons and caps making a splotch of white + against the green willows beyond—and in front of them at a little + distance a brown-haired boy of five and a yellow-ringleted girl of three + were at play on the turf, rolling over and over, shouting and laughing in + their glee. + </p> + <p> + As the father rested his eyes on the group, the frown which had for a + second lowered on his brow passed away and he pulled in his horse so as + not to disturb them. He was about to turn back and leave them in their + happiness when his black-eyed boy caught sight of him and ran toward him, + shouting for a ride and calling over his shoulder for “Luthy” to “come on + too.” As there was no escape, Mr. Hampden went forward and, ignoring the + confusion of the mammies at being caught together, took the boy up before + him and gave him a ride up and down the meadow. Then nothing else would do + for Master Oliver but he “must take Luthy up, too.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps 'Luthy' may be afraid of the horse!” suggested Mr. Hampden with a + smile. + </p> + <p> + But far from it. Led by the little boy who had run to fetch her, she came + to Mr. Hampden as readily as his own son had done, and, though she gave + him one of those quick searching glances with which childhood reads + character, having made sure that he was friendly, she was no more afraid + of his horse than the boy was. + </p> + <p> + Oliver tried to lift her, and as he tugged at her, the father sat and + watched with a smile, then leant down and picked her up while the two + mammies gasped with mingled astonishment and fear. + </p> + <p> + “I tell you, she's pretty heavy,” said the little boy. + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, she is,” said the father, gaily. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Hampden would have taken his son home with him, but the latter + declined the invitation. He wished to “stay with Luthy.” So, Mr. Hampden, + having first set the nurses' minds at ease by complimenting the little + girl in warm terms to her mammy, rode home alone with his face set in deep + reflection. + </p> + <p> + The breach between the Hampdens and the Draytons was nearer being closed + that evening than it had been in three generations, for as Oliver Hampden + rode up the bridle path across his fields, he heard behind him the merry + laughter of the two children in the quiet meadow below, and old memories + of his childhood and college life softened his heart. He forgot the + double-line fences and determined to go on the morrow to Drayton Hall and + make up the quarrel. He would offer the first overture and a full + declaration of regret, and this, he was quite sure, would make it up. Once + he actually turned his horse around to go straight across the fields as he + used to do in his boyhood, but there below him were the double-line fences + stretching brown and clear. No horse could get over them, and around the + road it was a good five miles, so he turned back again and rode home and + the chance was lost. + </p> + <p> + On his arrival he found a summons in a suit which had been instituted that + day by Wilmer Drayton for damages to his land by reason of his turning the + water of the creek upon him. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Hampden did not forbid old Lydia to take his boy down there again, but + he went to the meadow no more himself, and when he and Wilmer Drayton met + next, which was not for some time, they barely spoke. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0003" id="link2H_4_0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + III + </h2> + <p> + Young Oliver Hampden grew up clear eyed, strong, and good to look at, and + became shy where girls were concerned, and most of all appeared to be shy + with Lucy Drayton. He went to college and as he got his broad shoulders + and manly stride he got over his shyness with most girls, but not with + Lucy Drayton. With her, he appeared to have become yet more reserved. She + had inherited her mother's eyes and beauty, with the fairness of a lily; a + slim, willowy figure; a straight back and a small head set on her + shoulders in a way that showed both blood and pride. Moreover, she had + character enough, as her friends knew: those gray eyes that smiled could + grow haughty with disdain or flash with indignation, and she had taught + many an uppish young man to feel her keen irony. + </p> + <p> + “She gets only her intellect from the Dray-tons; her beauty and her + sweetness come from her mother,” said a lady of the neighborhood to Judge + Hampden, thinking to please him. + </p> + <p> + “She gets both her brains and beauty from her mother and only her name + from her father,” snapped the Judge, who had often seen her at church, and + never without recalling Lucy Fielding as he knew her. + </p> + <p> + That she and young Oliver Hampden fought goes without saying. But no one + knew why she was cruelly bitter to a young man who once spoke slightingly + of Oliver, or why Oliver, who rarely saw her except at church, took up a + quarrel of hers so furiously. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + The outbreak of the war, or rather the conditions preceding that outbreak, + finally fixed forever the gulf between the two families. Judge Hampden was + an ardent follower of Calhoun and “stumped” the State in behalf of + Secession, whereas Major Drayton, as the cloud that had been gathering so + long rolled nearer, emerged from his seclusion and became one of the + sternest opponents of a step which he declared was not merely revolution, + but actual rebellion. So earnest was he, that believing that slavery was + the ultimate bone of contention, he emancipated his slaves on a system + which he thought would secure their welfare. Nothing could have more + deeply stirred Judge Hampden's wrath. He declared that such a measure at + such a crisis was a blow at every Southern man. He denounced Major Drayton + as “worse than Garrison, Phillips, and Greeley all put together.” + </p> + <p> + They at last met in debate at the Court House. Major Drayton exasperated + the Judge by his coolness, until the latter lost his temper and the crowd + laughed. + </p> + <p> + “I do not get as hot as you do,” said the Major, blandly. He looked as + cool as a cucumber, but his voice betrayed him. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes, you do,” snorted the Judge. “A mule gets as hot as a horse, but + he does not sweat.” + </p> + <p> + This saved him. + </p> + <p> + There came near being a duel. Everyone expected it. Only the interposition + of friends prevented their meeting on the field. Only this and one other + thing. + </p> + <p> + Though no one in the neighborhood knew it until long afterward—and + then only in a conjectural way by piecing together fragments of rumors + that floated about—young Oliver Hampden really prevented the duel. + He told his father that he loved Lucy Drayton. There was a fierce outbreak + on the Judge's part. + </p> + <p> + “Marry that girl!—the daughter of Wilmer Drayton! I will disinherit + you if you but so much as——” + </p> + <p> + “Stop!” The younger man faced him and held up his hand with an imperious + gesture. “Stop! Do not say a word against her or I may never forget it.” + </p> + <p> + The father paused with his sentence unfinished, for his son stood before + him suddenly revealed in a strength for which the Judge had never given + him credit, and he recognized in his level eyes, tense features, and the + sudden set of the square jaw, the Hampden firmness at its best or worst. + </p> + <p> + “I have nothing to say against her,” said the Judge, with a sudden rush of + recollection of Lucy Fielding. “I have no doubt she is in one way all you + think her; but she is Wilmer Drayton 's daughter. You will never win her.” + </p> + <p> + “I will win her,” said the young man. + </p> + <p> + That night Judge Hampden thought deeply over the matter, and before + daylight he had despatched a note to Major Drayton making an apology for + the words he had used. + </p> + <p> + Both Judge Hampden and his son went into the army immediately on the + outbreak of hostilities. Major Drayton, who to the last opposed Secession + bitterly, did not volunteer until after the State had seceded; but then + he, also, went in, and later was desperately wounded. + </p> + <p> + A few nights before they went off to the war, Judge Hampden and his son + rode over together to Major Drayton's to offer the olive-branch of peace + in shape of young Oliver and all that he possessed. + </p> + <p> + Judge Hampden did not go all the way, for he had sworn never to put foot + again in Major Drayton's house so long as he lived, and, moreover, he felt + that his son would be the better ambassador alone. Accordingly, he waited + in the darkness at the front gate while his son presented himself and laid + at Lucy Drayton's feet what the Judge truly believed was more than had + ever been offered to any other woman. He, however, sent the most + conciliatory messages to Major Drayton. + </p> + <p> + “Tell him,” he said, “that I will take down my fence and he shall run the + line to suit himself.” He could not have gone further. + </p> + <p> + The time that passed appeared unending to the Judge waiting in the + darkness; but in truth it was not long, for the interview was brief. It + was with Major Drayton and not with his daughter. + </p> + <p> + Major Drayton declined, both on his daughter's part and on his own, the + honor which had been proposed. + </p> + <p> + At this moment the door opened and Lucy herself appeared. She was a vision + of loveliness. Her face was white, but her eyes were steady. If she knew + what had occurred, she gave no sign of it in words. She walked straight to + her father's side and took his hand. + </p> + <p> + “Lucy,” he said, “Mr. Hampden has done us the honor to ask your hand and I + have declined it.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, papa.” Her eyelids fluttered and her bosom heaved, but she did not + move, and Lucy was too much a Drayton to unsay what her father had said, + or to undo what he had done. + </p> + <p> + Oliver Hampden's eyes did not leave her face. For him the Major had + disappeared, and he saw only the girl who stood before him with a face as + white as the dress she wore. + </p> + <p> + “Lucy, I love you. Will you ever care for me? I am going—going away + to-morrow, and I shall not see you any more; but I would like to know if + there is any hope.” The young man's voice was strangely calm. + </p> + <p> + The girl held out her hand to him. + </p> + <p> + “I will never marry anyone else.” + </p> + <p> + “I will wait for you all my life,” said the young man. + </p> + <p> + Bending low, he kissed her hand in the palm, and with a bow to her father, + strode from the room. + </p> + <p> + The Judge, waiting at the gate in the darkness, heard the far-off, + monotonous galloping of Oliver's horse on the hard plantation road. He + rode forward to meet him. + </p> + <p> + “Well!” + </p> + <p> + It was only a word. + </p> + <p> + “They declined.” + </p> + <p> + The father scarcely knew his son's voice, it was so wretched. + </p> + <p> + “What! Who declined? Did you see—” + </p> + <p> + “Both!” + </p> + <p> + Out in the darkness Judge Hampden broke forth into such a torrent of rage + that his son was afraid for his life and had to devote all his attention + to soothing him. He threatened to ride straight to Drayton's house and + horsewhip him on the spot. This, however, the young man prevented, and the + two rode home together in a silence which was unbroken until they had + dismounted at their own gate and given their horses to the waiting + servants. As they entered the house, Judge Hampden spoke. + </p> + <p> + “I hope you are satisfied,” he said, sternly. “I make but one request of + you—that from this time forth, you will never mention the name of + Drayton to me again as long as you live.” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose I should hate her,” said the son, bitterly, “but I do not. I + love her and I believe she cares for me.” + </p> + <p> + His father turned in the door-way and faced him. + </p> + <p> + “Cares for you! Not so much as she cares for the smallest negro on that + place. If you ever marry her, I will disinherit you.” + </p> + <p> + “Disinherit me!” burst from the young man. “Do you think I care for this + place? What has it ever brought to us but unhappiness? I have seen your + life embittered by a feud with your nearest neighbor, and now it wrecks my + happiness and robs me of what I would give all the rest of the world for.” + </p> + <p> + Judge Hampden looked at him curiously. He started to say, “Before I would + let her enter this house, I would burn it with my own hands”; but as he + met his son's steadfast gaze there was that in it which made him pause. + The Hampden look was in his eyes. The father knew that another word might + sever them forever. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + If ever a man tried to court death, young Oliver Hampden did. But Death, + that struck many a happier man, passed him by, and he secured instead only + a reputation for reckless courage and was promoted on the field. + </p> + <p> + His father rose to the command of a brigade, and Oliver himself became a + captain. + </p> + <p> + At last the bullet Oliver had sought found him; but it spared his life and + only incapacitated him for service. + </p> + <p> + There were no trained nurses during the war, and Lucy Drayton, like so + many girls, when the war grew fiercer, went into the hospitals, and by + devotion supplied their place. + </p> + <p> + Believing that life was ended for her, she had devoted herself wholly to + the cause, and self-repression had given to her face the gentleness and + consecration of a nun. + </p> + <p> + It was said that once as she bent over a wounded common soldier, he + returned to consciousness, and after gazing up at her a moment, asked + vaguely, “Who are you, Miss?” + </p> + <p> + “I am one of the sisters whom our Father has sent to nurse you and help + you to get well. But you must not talk.” + </p> + <p> + The wounded man closed his eyes and then opened them with a faint smile. + </p> + <p> + “All right; just one word. Will you please ask your pa if I may be his + son-in-law?” + </p> + <p> + Into the hospital was brought one day a soldier so broken and bandaged + that no one but Lucy Drayton might have recognized Oliver Hampden. + </p> + <p> + For a long time his life was despaired of; but he survived. + </p> + <p> + When consciousness returned to him, the first sound he heard was a voice + which had often haunted him in his dreams, but which he had never expected + to hear again. + </p> + <p> + “Who is that!” he asked, feebly. + </p> + <p> + “It is I, Oliver—it is Lucy.” + </p> + <p> + The wounded man moved slightly and the girl bending over him caught the + words, whispered brokenly to himself: + </p> + <p> + “I am dreaming.” + </p> + <p> + But he was not dreaming. + </p> + <p> + Lucy Drayton's devotion probably brought him back from death and saved his + life. + </p> + <p> + In the hell of that hospital one man at least found the balm for his + wounds. When he knew how broken he was he offered Lucy her release. Her + reply was in the words of the English girl to the wounded Napier, “If + there is enough of you left to hold your soul, I will marry you.” + </p> + <p> + As soon as he was sufficiently convalescent, they were married. + </p> + <p> + Lucy insisted that General Hampden should be informed, but the young man + knew his father's bitterness, and refused. He relied on securing his + consent later, and Lucy, fearing for her patient's life, and having + secured her own father's consent, yielded. + </p> + <p> + It was a mistake. + </p> + <p> + Oliver Hampden misjudged the depth of his father's feeling, and General + Hampden was mortally offended by his having married without informing him. + </p> + <p> + Oliver adored his father and he sent him a present in token of his desire + for forgiveness; but the General had been struck deeply. The present was + returned. He wrote: “I want obedience; not sacrifice.” + </p> + <p> + Confident of his wife's ability to overcome any obstacle, the young man + bided his time. His wounds, however, and his breach with his father + affected his health so much that he went with his wife to the far South, + where Major Drayton, now a colonel, had a remnant of what had once been a + fine property. Here, for a time, amid the live-oaks and magnolias he + appeared to improve. But his father's obdurate refusal to forgive his + disobedience preyed on his health, and just after the war closed, he died + a few months before his son was born. + </p> + <p> + In his last days he dwelt much on his father. He made excuses for him, + over which his wife simply tightened her lips, while her gray eyes burned + with deep resentment. + </p> + <p> + “He was brought up that way. He cannot help it. He never had anyone to + gainsay him. Do not be hard on him. And if he ever sues for pardon, be + merciful to him for my sake.” + </p> + <p> + His end came too suddenly for his wife to notify his father in advance, + even if she would have done so; for he had been fading gradually and at + the last the flame had flared up a little. + </p> + <p> + Lucy Hampden was too upright a woman not to do what she believed her duty, + however contrary to her feelings it might be. So, although it was a bitter + thing to her, she wrote to inform General Hampden of his son's death. + </p> + <p> + It happened by one of the malign chances of fortune that this letter never + reached its destination, General Hampden did not learn of Oliver's death + until some weeks later, when he heard of it by accident. It was a terrible + blow to him, for time was softening the asperity of his temper, and he had + just made up his mind to make friends with his son. He attributed the + failure to inform him of Oliver's illness and death to the malignity of + his wife. + </p> + <p> + Thus it happened that when her son was born, Lucy Hampden made no + announcement of his birth to the General, and he remained in ignorance of + it. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0004" id="link2H_4_0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + IV + </h2> + <p> + The war closed, and about the only thing that appeared to remain unchanged + was the relation between General Hampden and Colonel Drayton. Everything + else underwent a change, for war eats up a land. + </p> + <p> + General Hampden, soured and embittered by his domestic troubles, but stern + in his resolve and vigorous in his intellect, was driven by his loneliness + to adapt himself to the new conditions. He applied his unabated energies + to building up a new fortune. His decision, his force, and his ability + soon placed him at the head of one of the earliest new enterprises in the + State—a broken-down railway—which he re-organized and brought + to a full measure of success. + </p> + <p> + Colonel Drayton, on the other hand, broken in body and in fortunes, found + it impossible to adapt himself to the new conditions. He possessed none of + the practical qualities of General Hampden. With a mind richly stored with + the wisdom of others, he had the temperament of a dreamer and poet and was + unable to apply it to any practical end. As shy and reserved as his + neighbor was bold and aggressive, he lived in his books and had never been + what is known as a successful man. Even before the war he had not been + able to hold his own. The exactions of hospitality and of what he deemed + his obligations to others had consumed a considerable part of the handsome + estate he had inherited, and his plantation was mortgaged. What had been + thus begun, the war had completed. + </p> + <p> + When his plantation was sold, his old neighbor and enemy bought it, and + the Colonel had the mortification of knowing that Drayton Hall was at last + in the hands of a Hampden. What he did not know was that General Hampden, + true to his vow, never put his foot on the plantation except to ride down + the road and see that all his orders for its proper cultivation were + carried out. + </p> + <p> + Colonel Drayton tried teaching school, but it appeared that everyone else + was teaching at that time, and after attempting it for a year or two, he + gave it up and confined himself to writing philosophical treatises for the + press, which were as much out of date as the Latin and Greek names which + he signed to them. As these contributions were usually returned, he + finally devoted himself to writing agricultural essays for an agricultural + paper, in which he met with more success than he had done when he was + applying his principles himself. + </p> + <p> + “If farms were made of paper he 'd beat Cincinnatus,” said the General. + </p> + <p> + Lucy Hampden, thrown on her own resources, in the town in the South in + which her husband had died, had for some time been supporting herself and + her child by teaching. She had long urged her father to come to them, but + he had always declined, maintaining that a man was himself only in the + country, and in town was merely a unit. When, however, the plantation was + sold and his daughter wrote for him, he went to her, and the first time + that the little boy was put in his arms, both he and she knew that he + would never go away again. That evening as they sat together in the fading + light on the veranda of the little house which Lucy had taken, amid the + clambering roses and jasmine, the old fellow said, “I used to think that I + ought to have been killed in battle at the head of my men when I was shot, + but perhaps, I may have been saved to bring up this young man.” + </p> + <p> + His daughter's smile, as she leant over and kissed him, showed very + clearly what she thought of it, and before a week was out, the Colonel + felt that he was not only still of use, but was, perhaps, the most + necessary, and, with one exception, the most important member of the + family. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, there were hard times before them. The Colonel was too + old-fashioned; too slow for the new movement of life, and just enough + behind the times to be always expecting to succeed and always failing. + </p> + <p> + But where the father failed the daughter succeeded. She soon came to be + known as one of the efficient women of the community, as her father, who + was now spoken of as “the old Colonel,” came to be recognized as one of + the picturesque figures of that period. He was always thought of in + connection with the boy. The two were hardly ever apart, and they were + soon known throughout the town—the tall, thin old gentleman who + looked out on the world with his mild blue eyes and kindly face, and the + chubby, red-cheeked, black-eyed boy, whose tongue was always prattling, + and who looked out with his bright eyes on all the curious things which, + common-place to the world, are so wonderful to a boy. + </p> + <p> + The friendship between an old man and a little child is always touching; + they grow nearer together day by day, and the old Colonel and little + Oliver soon appeared to understand each other, and to be as dependent on + each other as if they had both been of the same age. The child, somewhat + reserved with others, was bold enough with his grandfather. They held long + discussions together over things that interested the boy; went + sight-seeing in company to where the water ran over an old mill-wheel, or + where a hen and her chickens lived in a neighbor's yard, or a litter of + puppies gamboled under an outhouse, or a bird had her nest and little ones + in a jasmine in an old garden, and Colonel Drayton told the boy wonderful + stories of the world which was as unknown to him as the present world was + to the Colonel. + </p> + <p> + So matters went, until the Christmas when the boy was seven years old. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0005" id="link2H_4_0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + V + </h2> + <p> + Meantime, General Hampden was facing a new foe. His health had suddenly + given way, and he was in danger of becoming blind. His doctor had given + him his orders—orders which possibly he might not have taken had not + the spectre of a lonely old man in total darkness begun to haunt him. He + had been “working too hard,” the doctor told him. + </p> + <p> + “Working hard! Of course, I have been working hard!” snapped the General, + fiercely, with his black eyes glowering. “What else have I to do but work? + I shall always work hard.” + </p> + <p> + The doctor knew something of the General 's trouble. He had been a surgeon + in the hospital where young Oliver Hampden had been when Lucy Drayton + found him. + </p> + <p> + “You must stop,” he said, quietly. “You will not last long unless you do.” + </p> + <p> + “How long!” demanded the General, quite calmly. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! I cannot say that. Perhaps, a year—perhaps, less. You have + burned your candle too fast.” He glanced at the other's unmoved face. “You + need change. You ought to go South this winter.” + </p> + <p> + “I should only change my skies and not my thoughts,” said the General, his + memory swinging back to the past. + </p> + <p> + The doctor gazed at him curiously. “What is the use of putting out your + eyes and working yourself to death when you have everything that money can + give?” + </p> + <p> + “I have nothing! I work to forget that,” snarled the General, fiercely. + </p> + <p> + The doctor remained silent. + </p> + <p> + The General thought over the doctor's advice and finally followed it, + though not for the reason the physician supposed. + </p> + <p> + Something led him to select the place where his son had gone and where his + body lay amid the magnolias. If he was going to die, he would carry out a + plan which he had formed in the lonely hours when he lay awake between the + strokes of the clock. He would go and see that his son's grave was cared + for, and if he could, would bring him back home at last. Doubtless, “that + woman's” consent could be bought. She had possibly married again. He hoped + she had. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0006" id="link2H_4_0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + VI + </h2> + <p> + Christmas is always the saddest of seasons to a lonely man, and General + Hampden, when he landed in that old Southern town on the afternoon of + Christmas Eve, would not have been lonelier in a desert. The signs of + Christmas preparation and the sounds of Christmas cheer but made him + lonelier. For years, flying from the Furies, he had immersed himself in + work and so, in part, had forgotten his troubles; but the removal of this + prop let him fall flat to the earth. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the old fellow had gotten settled in his room at the hotel he + paid a visit to his son's grave, piloted to the cemetery by a friendly and + garrulous old negro hackman, who talked much about Christmas and “the + holidays.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, suh, dat he had known Cap'n Ham'n. He used to drive him out long as + he could drive out. He had been at his funeral. He knew Mrs. Ham'n, too. + She sutney is a fine lady,” he wound up in sincere eulogy. + </p> + <p> + The General gave a grunt. + </p> + <p> + He was nearer to his son than he had ever been since the day he last saw + him in all the pride and beauty of a gallant young soldier. + </p> + <p> + The grave, at least, was not neglected. It was marked by a modest cross, + on which was the Hampden coat-of-arms and the motto, “<i>Loyal</i>,” and + it was banked in fresh evergreens, and some flowers had been placed on it + only that afternoon. It set the General to thinking. + </p> + <p> + When he returned to his hotel, he found the loneliness unbearable. His + visit to his son's grave had opened the old wound and awakened all his + memories. He knew now that he had ruined his life. The sooner the doctor's + forecast came true, the better. He had no care to live longer. He would + return to work and die in harness. + </p> + <p> + He sent his servant to the office and arranged for his car to be put on + the first train next morning. + </p> + <p> + Then, to escape from his thoughts, he strolled out in the street where the + shopping crowds streamed along, old and young, poor and well-to-do, their + arms full of bundles, their faces eager, and their eyes alight. + </p> + <p> + General Hampden seemed to himself to be walking among ghosts. + </p> + <p> + As he stalked on, bitter and lonely, he was suddenly run into by a very + little boy, in whose small arms was so big a bundle that he could scarcely + see over it. The shock of the collision knocked the little fellow down, + sitting flat on the pavement, still clutching his bundle. But his face + after the first shadow of surprise lit up again. + </p> + <p> + “I beg your pardon, sir—that was my fault,” he said, with so quaint + an imitation of an old person that the General could not help smiling. + With a cheery laugh, he tried to rise to his feet, but the bundle was too + heavy, and he would not let it go. + </p> + <p> + The General bent over him and, with an apology, set him on his feet. + </p> + <p> + “I beg <i>your</i> pardon, sir. That was <i>my</i> fault. That is a pretty + big bundle you have.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir; and I tell you, it is pretty heavy, too,” the manikin said, + proudly. “It 's a Christmas gift.” He started on, and the General turned + with him. + </p> + <p> + “A Christmas gift! It must be a fine one. Who gave it to you?” demanded + the General, with a smile at the little fellow's confidence. + </p> + <p> + “It is a fine one! Did n't anybody give it to me. We 're giving it to + somebody.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! You are? To whom?” + </p> + <p> + “I 'll tell you; but you must promise not to tell.” + </p> + <p> + “I promise I will not tell a soul. I cross my heart.” + </p> + <p> + He made a sign as he remembered he used to do in his boyhood. + </p> + <p> + The boy looked up at him doubtfully with a shade of disapproval. + </p> + <p> + “My grandfather says that you must not cross your heart—'t a + gentleman's word is enough,” he said, quaintly. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, he does? Well, I give my word.” + </p> + <p> + “Well—” He glanced around to see that no one was listening, and + sidling a little nearer, lowered his voice: “It 's a great-coat for + grandfather!” + </p> + <p> + “A great-coat! That's famous!” exclaimed the General. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, is n't it? You see—he 's mighty old and he 's got a bad cough—he + caught it in the army, and I have to take care of him. Don't you think + that's right?” + </p> + <p> + “Of course, I do,” said the General, envying one grandfather. + </p> + <p> + “That's what I tell him. So mamma and I have bought this for him.” + </p> + <p> + “He must be a proud grandfather,” said the General, with envy biting + deeper at his heart. + </p> + <p> + “I have another grandfather; but I don't like <i>him</i>,” continued the + little fellow. + </p> + <p> + “I am sorry for that,” said the General, sincerely. “Why is that?” + </p> + <p> + “He was mean to my father, and he is mean to my mother.” His voice + conveyed a sudden bitterness. + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” + </p> + <p> + “Mamma says I must like him; but I do not. I just can't. You would not + like a man who was mean to your mother, would you!” + </p> + <p> + “I would not,” declared the General, truthfully. + </p> + <p> + “And I am not going to like him,” asserted the boy, with firmness. + </p> + <p> + The General suddenly pitied one grandfather. + </p> + <p> + They had come to a well-lighted corner, and as the boy lifted his face, + the light fell on it. Something about the bright, sturdy countenance with + its frank, dark eyes and brown hair suddenly sent the General back thirty + years to a strip of meadow on which two children were playing: one a + dark-eyed boy as sturdy as this one. It was like an arrow in his heart. + “With a gasp he came back to the present. His thoughts pursued him even + here. + </p> + <p> + “What is your name?” he asked as he was feeling in his pocket for a coin. + </p> + <p> + “Oliver Drayton Hampden, sir.” + </p> + <p> + The words were perfectly clear. + </p> + <p> + The General's heart stopped beating and then gave a bound. The skies + suddenly opened for him and then shut up again. + </p> + <p> + His exclamation brought the child to a stop and he glanced up at him in + vague wonder. The General stooped and gazed at him searchingly, almost + fiercely. The next second he had pounced upon him and lifted him in his + arms while the bundle fell to the pavement. + </p> + <p> + “My boy! I am your grandfather,” he cried, kissing him violently. “I am + your grandfather Hampden.” + </p> + <p> + The child was lost in amazement for a moment, and then, putting his hands + against the General's face, he pushed him slowly away. + </p> + <p> + “Put me down, please,” he said, with that gravity which in a child means + so much. + </p> + <p> + General Hampden set him down on the pavement. The boy looked at him + searchingly for a second, and then turned in silence and lifted his + bundle. The General's face wore a puzzled look—he had solved many + problems, but he had never had one more difficult than this. His heart + yearned toward the child, and he knew that on his own wisdom at that + moment might depend his future happiness. On his next words might hang for + him life or death. The expression on the boy's face, and the very set of + his little back as he sturdily tugged at his burden, recalled his father, + and with it the General recognized the obstinacy which he knew lurked in + the Hampden blood, which had once been his pride. + </p> + <p> + “Oliver,” he said, gravely, leaning down over the boy and putting his hand + on him gently, “there has been a great mistake. I am going home with you + to your mother and tell her so. I want to see her and your grandfather, + and I think I can explain everything.” + </p> + <p> + The child turned and gazed at him seriously, and then his face relaxed. He + recognized his deep sincerity. + </p> + <p> + “All right.” He turned and walked down the street, bending under his + burden. The General offered to carry it for him, but he declined. + </p> + <p> + “I can carry it,” was the only answer he made except once when, as the + General rather insisted, he said firmly, “I want to carry it myself,” and + tottered on. + </p> + <p> + A silence fell on them for a moment. A young man passing them spoke to the + child cheerily. + </p> + <p> + “Hullo, Oliver! A Christmas present?—That 's a great boy,” he said, + in sheer friendliness to the General, and passed on. The boy was evidently + well known. + </p> + <p> + Oliver nodded; then feeling that some civility was due on his part to his + companion, he said briefly, “That 's a friend of mine.” + </p> + <p> + “Evidently.” + </p> + <p> + The General, even in his perplexity, smiled at the quaint way the child + imitated the manners of older men. + </p> + <p> + Just then they came to a little gate and the boy's manner changed. + </p> + <p> + “If you will wait, I will run around and put my bundle down. I am afraid + my grandfather might see it.” He lowered his voice for the first time + since the General had introduced himself. Then he disappeared around the + house. + </p> + <p> + Oliver, having slipped in at the back door and carefully reconnoitred the + premises, tripped up stairs with his bundle to his mother's room. He was + so excited over his present that he failed to observe her confusion at his + sudden entrance, or her hasty hiding away of something on which she was + working. Colonel Drayton was not the only member of that household that + Christmas who was to receive a great-coat. + </p> + <p> + When Oliver had untied his bundle, nothing would serve but he must put on + the coat to show his mother how his grandfather would look in it. As even + with the sleeves rolled up and with his arms held out to keep it from + falling off him, the tails dragged for some distance on the floor and only + the top of his head was visible above the collar, the resemblance was + possibly not wholly exact. But it appeared to satisfy the boy. He was + showing how his grandfather walked, when he suddenly recalled his new + acquaintance. + </p> + <p> + “I met my other grandfather, on the street, mamma, and he came home with + me.” He spoke quite naturally. + </p> + <p> + “Met your other grandfather!” Mrs. Hampden looked mystified. + </p> + <p> + “He says he is my grandfather, and he looks like papa. I reckon he 's my + other grandfather. He ran against me in the street and knocked me down, + and then came home with me.” + </p> + <p> + “Came home with you!” repeated Mrs. Hampden, still in a maze, and with a + vague trouble dawning in her face. + </p> + <p> + “Yes 'm.” + </p> + <p> + Oliver went over the meeting again. + </p> + <p> + His mother's face meantime showed the tumult of emotion that was sweeping + over her. Why had General Hampden come? What had he come for? To try and + take her boy from her? + </p> + <p> + At the thought her face and form took on something of the lioness that + guards her whelp. Then as the little boy repeated what his grandfather had + said of his reason for coming home with him, her face softened again. She + heard a voice saying, “If he ever sues for pardon, be merciful to him for + my sake.” She remembered what day it was: the Eve of the day of Peace and + Good-will toward all men. He must have come for Peace, and Peace it should + be. She would not bring up her boy under the shadow of that feud which had + blighted both sides of his race so long. + </p> + <p> + “Oliver,” she said, “you must go down and let him in. Say I will come + down.” + </p> + <p> + “I will not like him,” said the child, his eyes on her face. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes, you must; he is your grandfather.” + </p> + <p> + “You do not love him, and I will not.” The sturdy little figure and the + serious face with the chin already firm for such a child, the dark, grave + eyes and the determined speech, were so like his father that the widow + gave half a cry. + </p> + <p> + “You must, my son, and I will try. Your father would wish it.” + </p> + <p> + The little boy pondered for a second. + </p> + <p> + “Very well, mamma; but he must be good to you.” + </p> + <p> + As the little fellow left the room, the widow threw herself on her knees. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0007" id="link2H_4_0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + VII + </h2> + <p> + As General Hampden stood and waited in the dusk, he felt that his whole + life and future depended on the issue of the next few moments. He + determined to take matters in his own hand. Every moment might tell + against him and might decide his fate. So, without waiting longer, he rang + the bell. A minute later he heard steps within, and the door was opened by + one who he knew must be Colonel Drayton, though had he met him elsewhere + he should not have recognized the white hair and the thin, bent form as + that of his old friend and enemy. Colonel Drayton had evidently not seen + his grandson yet, for he spoke as to a stranger. + </p> + <p> + “Will you not walk in, sir!” he said cordially. “I was expecting my little + grandson who went out a short while ago.” He peered up the street. “Did + you wish to see my daughter? You will find us in a little confusion—Christinas + time is always a busy season with us on account of our young man: my + grandson.” He lingered with pride over the words. + </p> + <p> + The General stepped into the light. + </p> + <p> + “Wilmer Drayton! Don't you know me? I am Oliver Hampden, and I have come + to apologize to you for all I have done which has offended you, and to ask + you to be friends with me.” He held out his hand. + </p> + <p> + The old Colonel stepped back, and under the shock of surprise paused for a + moment. + </p> + <p> + “Oliver Hampden!” The next moment he stepped forward and took his hand. + </p> + <p> + “Come in, Oliver,” he said, gently, and putting his other arm around the + General's shoulder, he handed him into the little cosey, fire-lighted room + as though nothing had happened since he had done the same the last time + fifty years before. + </p> + <p> + At this moment the door opened and the little boy entered with mingled + mysteriousness and importance. Seeing the two gentlemen standing together, + he paused with a mystified look in his wide-open eyes, trying to + comprehend the situation. + </p> + <p> + “Oliver, come here,” said the Colonel, quietly. “This is your other + grandfather.” + </p> + <p> + The boy came forward, and, wheeling, stood close beside the Colonel, + facing General Hampden, like a soldier dressing by his file-closer. + </p> + <p> + “<i>You</i> are my grandfather,” he said, glancing up at the Colonel. + </p> + <p> + The Colonel's eyes glowed with a soft light. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, my boy; and so is he. We are friends again, and you must love him—just + as you do me.” + </p> + <p> + “I will not love him as much,” was the sturdy answer. + </p> + <p> + It was the General who spoke next. + </p> + <p> + “That is right, my boy. All I ask is that you will love me some.” He was + pleading with this young commissioner. + </p> + <p> + “I will, if you are good to my mother.” His eyes were fastened on him + without a tremor, and the General's deep-set eyes began to glow with hope. + </p> + <p> + “That 's a bargain,” he said holding out his hand. The boy took it + gravely. + </p> + <p> + Just then the door opened and Lucy Hampden entered. Her face was calm and + her form was straight. Her eyes, deep and burning, showed that she was + prepared either for peace or war. It was well for the General that he had + chosen peace. Better otherwise had he charged once more the deadliest + battle line he had ever faced. For a moment the General saw only Lucy + Fielding. + </p> + <p> + With a woman's instinct the young widow comprehended at the first glance + what had taken place, and although her face was white, her eyes softened + as she advanced. The General had turned and faced her. He could not utter + a word, but the boy sprang towards her and, wheeling, stood by her side. + </p> + <p> + Taking his hand, she led him forward. + </p> + <p> + “Oliver,” she said, gently, “this is your father's father.” Then to the + General, in a dead silence—“Father, this is your son's son.” + </p> + <p> + The General clasped them both in his arms. + </p> + <p> + “Forgive me. Forgive me. I have prayed for <i>his</i> forgiveness, for I + can never forgive myself.” + </p> + <p> + “He forgave you,” said the widow, simply. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0008" id="link2H_4_0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + VIII + </h2> + <p> + No young king was ever put to bed with more ceremony or more devotion than + was that little boy that night. Two old gentlemen were his grooms of the + bedchamber and saw him to bed together. + </p> + <p> + The talk was all of Christmas, and the General envied the ease with which + the other grandfather carried on the conversation. But when the boy, + having kissed his grandfather, said of his own accord, “Now, I must kiss + my <i>other</i> grandfather,” he envied no man on earth. + </p> + <p> + The next morning when Oliver Hampden, before the first peep of light, + waked in his little bed, which stood at the foot of his grandfather's bed + in the tiny room which they occupied together, and standing up, peeped + over the footboard to catch his grandfather's “Christmas gift,” he was + surprised to find that the bed was empty and undisturbed. Then having + tiptoed in and caught his mother, he stole down the stairs and softly + opened the sitting-room door where he heard the murmur of voices. The fire + was burning dim, and on either side sat the two old gentlemen in their + easy chairs, talking amicably and earnestly as they had been talking when + he kissed them “good-night.” Neither one had made the suggestion that it + was bedtime; but when at the first break of day the rosy boy in his + night-clothes burst in upon them with his shout of “Christmas gift,” and + his ringing laughter, they both knew that the long feud was at last ended, + and peace was established forever. + </p> + <div style="height: 6em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's The Christmas Peace, by Thomas Nelson Page + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE CHRISTMAS PEACE *** + +***** This file should be named 23511-h.htm or 23511-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/2/3/5/1/23511/ + +Produced by David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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