Johnstown High School - Spectator Yearbook (Johnstown, PA)

Page 14 text:

20 SPECTATOR Candle of Life THE CANDLE OF LIFE Elinor Geis T7 It was an ideal Christmas Eve. The moon glided slowly across the black sky, and shone on the snow, making it sparkle like millions of tiny diamonds. It had been snowing all day, but now the snow fell very slowly from the heavens in little thin flakes. Nathalie stood by the window in a pretty blue bed room and looked out at the beautiful scene before her. Only a few people hurried up or down the street, their arms filled with packages. Now and then an automobile flew by, only to leave the street in silence again. The church across the way was still brilliantly lighted, and Nathalie knew that the nuns were adding finishing touch- es to its decorations. She was so absorbed in her thoughts that she did not hear her mother steal softly into the room and close the door after her. The room was in total darkness, but Mrs. Ware did not turn on the lights. Seeing Nathalie by the window, and not wishing to frighten her by approaching her too suddenly, Mrs. Ware called softly: “Nathalie, dear, are you here?” “Oh, it’s Mother,” answered Nathalie. “Turn on the lights, Mother. I was thinking so deeply that I didn’t real- ize how dark it was.” “No, no, dear, it’s beautiful here in the dark. Besides, Nathalie, I want to talk with you,” added Mrs. Ware with a catch in her voice. “You know, dear, that Bobby is very ill. The fever is making quick headway.” She stopped suddenly, and Nathalie felt for the first time how serious Bobby’s ill- ness was. She tried to say something, but couldn’t, and stood very still while her mother proceeded in a low tone: “The tree is trimmed, the candles are ready to be lit, and everything is in readiness. The doctor said we should have all completed so that Bobby may see it when he opens his eyes,—God grant he may soon,,’ she added. Then, “Get

Page 13 text:

SPECTATOR 19 his hat, he answered in the negative and removed his valise to make room for her to sit down. During the journey they became quite friendly. He told her his name and all about his Aunt’s request. Speaking of the children he said,” I guess I’d have to play Santa Claus, trim the Xmas tree, and do a hundred more things such as children want. Thank goodness, those bothersome “kids” didn’t come and I hope they won’t.” These words seemed to amuse her greatly. Three or four times he saw her put her kerchief to her mouth as if suppressing a scream. At the end of his journey, John Hamil arose, and turning to his companion, with whom he had almost fallen in love, to bid her good-by, was surprised to hear that she too was going to “The Beaches.” The carriage with Uncle Ned, the colored driver, was there to meet them. Uncle Ned greeted John heartily, for John had always been a favorite of his. After assisting them into the carriage, he mounted his seat and drove rapidly away from the station. During the drive, John, glad upon hearing that his companion was to spend the holidays at his Aunt’s home, was enthusiasticly telling about the jolly times they always had at “The Beaches” at Xmas, and about the good skating near the house, suddenly remembering that he had done most of the talking and had forgotten to ask his fair companion’s name. He was just about to do so when the carriage stopped, and there at the door stood Aunt Elizabeth and a fair young fellow, the very image of the girl by his side. “How nice,” exclaimed Aunt Elizabeth as she lovingly kissed the girl, “that you two could have traveled together. It was much nicer than traveling alone, wasn’t it?” Turning to her nephew, on whose forehead was such a puzzled look, she shook his hand heartily and said, “John, allow me to introduce Caroline’s twin brother Bob. They are — -— — — —just then the girl moving quickly to her brother’s side and, looking gravely at John said. Those bothersome kids,” and laughing merrily ran into the house.

Page 15 text:

SPECTATOR 21 to bed soon, Nathalie. You must be rested so as to be ready when called upon at any time. Pray fervently, dear. Good night.” Good night’” answered Nathalie, and when her mother had gone, she undressed very quietly and went to bed. That night, Nathalie had a very beautiful dream. She dreamed that she was a little shepherdess and that she went with the shepherds to see the new born King. When they reached the stable to which the star had led them, a little boy, who was dressed in white, came forward, and, taking Nathalie by the hand, he led her to the manger, saying: “Come see the Christ-child, Nathalie.” It was Bobby! Then the stable faded away, and Nathalie opened her eyes to see her mother leaning over her. “Nathalie, Bobby wants you, dear.” So taking her mother’s hand, she followed her into Bobby’s room. When they reached the door-way, her father came for- ward and led her to Bobby’s crib. There she saw a little face so pinched and white, that she was alarmed. “Is this Bobby?” Nathalie asked in surprise. For he was a very different little boy from the one she had known two weeks before. Just then Bobby opened his eyes and asked in a little, weak voice: “Nattie—tell me—the story— of— the Christ- child.” “Courage, dear. Do your best,” whispered Mrs. Ware, and she felt much comforted. Then, holding his little hot hand, Nathalie told, just as she had dreamed it, the story of the Christ-child. When she had finished, the room was in perfect silence. Bobby’s eyes were closed, and he was smiling. Nathalie thought he was asleep, and was going to leave him, but he opened his eyes and asked: “Did Santa Claus—come?” “Yes, dear, do you want to see what he left?” “Yes, please,” he answered.