Village Squire, 1978-12, Page 29But there weren't. 1t was strangely quiet before six and again
�:hen v. a opened up after supper. There wasn't a soul in the store
until past 8. Then Bobby's father came in.
"1 want to buy a present for my wife. Bert. Darn if I don't
always leave it to the last second. It's got to be something
special. Let's see
He vent around the store looking at things. flipping over the
price tags. then going on to the next. He seemed to hesitate
several times then go on. Finally he came back to a beautiful
green vase that stood by the window. It had fascinated me for
some time. the lights at night shifting through the folds and
ridges in the clear green glass. My mother had loved that vase
but worried that no one would buy it because it was the most
expensive thing in the store.
"111 take this Bert. Cash!"
It seemed he emphasized the last word. And it was like magic.
When my father say: him pick up the vase his face grew a little
clouded. He knew that Bobby's father didn't have a big account.
but he v. asn't prosperous either. He ran a garage and fixed farm
machinery. Maybe he'd v. ant to charge it and on Christmas Eve.
v.ho could say no. Nov...: ith that one word cash, my father's face
brightened and there v. as real enthusiasm in his voice as he
talked about friendly Christmas Eve subjects. And when he
wished Bobby's father a Merry Christmas as he wept out the
door. there vias a joy in the greeting that would have softened up
even Ebenezer Scrooge.
The night was hectic after that. Bobby's father had barely left
v. hen Danny Riley arrived. "I want to pay something on my
account." he said. He laid a crisp $20 bill on the counter. "1 sold
some v.00d to the doctor over in Hampstead this afternoon."
And soon it seemed like everyone had the same idea. Mrs.
Thompson ..as next. She'd sold some geese for Christmas. she
said. and .. ant cd to pay something on her bill. It went on that
%.-ay until after nine. people bringing in dribs and drabs of money
to put dov. n on their accounts. No one brought a lot. but the total
mounted. and v.ith it the feeling of joy in our family.
Mac Macintosh had just left when Bobby's father carne in
.gain. • 0h thank goodness you're still open Bert. 1 forgot a card
for Illy ..ire'." .
light of realization suddenly crossed my father's face.
"Would you have had anything to do with this Sam?"
"Do ..ith v. hat?..
• 111is sudden surge of hill paying that's been going on here
tonight."
"Bill paying? No. 1y.ouldn't know: anything about that." But
he ..:n a had actor. Tlic corners of his mouth kept itching to turn
up.
"It ..as you behind it."
"We don't Recd somebody interfering in our business.'' It was
mother's tierce Irish pride again. Even though minutes before
she'd been rejoicing having :ill This money come in. even though
she said it v.ould he our salvation. she couldn't accept that
someone had to help us.
•'Hush Millie.' It ..:n Bobby's father. not mine. "You don't
have to get your pride all hurt. People are only giving you what •s
righttulk yours. They've just been so caught up in their ov:n
troubles the\ didn't have time to think v, hat they .:ere doing to
you people. charging things all the time. People tend to think
that people in business .nr .•ell o11. not, like themselves. But
..hen people realized v.h:t they'd been doing they just had to do
something 10 help you out. It y.oulcln'i havc been a very happy
Christmas for any of them it they'd knrn, n they were celebrating
..hilt vett ..arc suffering. Wh. this wouldn't' even he a
comm unit_. it it ..aren't for you people keeping this store open
here...
:laid mother's stiltcypression solicited and she began to smile
and then she and lather incited Bobby's rather in for some hot
coffee and tlteel0sc,1 up the store for the night. When 1 \.ent to
11(11 111;o night 1 ...tsn'.t rc.tll. thinking 01 Christmas presents and
ti.uu.t (Crus. We'd:dre.nl. gotten the hest (16stn1.rs present ..c
,.,uI,L noa the money s,• touch as the l'.c 01 our friends and
nei,.i 1.,..n•..
Enjoy the relaxed
atmosphere
of a friendly bookstore.
Browse and talk books.
Excellent assortment of
children's books
Canadiana
special orders
THE
BOOK
SHOP
13 WELLINGTON STREET N
ST. MARYS
(519) 284-3171
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•
•
December 1978, Village Squire 27