December 17, 2023 • 24 mins
What if the true essence of Christmas could shine brighter without the glitz and glamour of extravagant parties and expensive gifts? Join us on this heartwarming adventure with the Davenport family in Cedar Hill as they face financial struggles that threaten to dampen their annual Christmas recital. But hold on - Christmas isn't cancelled! Through courage and creativity, James Jr. and his sister, Sis, teach us an invaluable lesson about the power of family, sacrifice and the genuine spirit of Christmas, showing us that joy and warmth can be found even in the simplest of celebrations.
As we continue this festive journey, your spirits are sure to be lifted by the sight of Cedar Hill's unique Christmas Eve gathering. An event that exemplifies the resilience and creativity of the Davenport family, it sees the guests arriving in festive costumes made from....newspapers and comic strips! Yes, you heard that right. We also touch upon a special Christmas tradition that has been carried on for 25 years, a gathering that serves as a reminder of unity and joy. And to top it off, we leave you with a beautiful hymn sung by the youngest Luddington, capturing the true essence of Christmas. So tune in, and let's revel in the warmth and joy of a Christmas that's truly rich in spirit.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:17):
Welcome to another special holiday bonus episode.
Gather the family and enjoythis holiday story, the Real
Christmas Spirit, by Helen ERichards.
(00:40):
In a prosperous middle-westerntown on the east side, at the
upper end of a long avenue ofcomfortable homes, the street
veers suddenly to the right andends in Cedar Hill, a blind but
beautiful alley bordered withlawns, decorated at this time of
year with strange figures ofgunny sacking, wound with cord
(01:00):
and with piles of straw overlaidwith boards.
Back of these suggestions ofthe landscape gardener stand
four houses, wide-spreadingluxurious Cedar Hill homes of
the Davenport, the Clydes, theLees and the Luddingtons.
On Christmas Eve it was customfor Cordelia Davenport to give a
recital and the Clydes and theLees and the Luddingtons came
(01:24):
laden with their articles ofcommerce and hung them on the
Davenport Christmas tree at theend of a long drawing room.
The little group of families onCedar Hill always celebrated
royally because it was withinthe power of Cedar Hill
residents to do so.
And Cedar Hill leads the townquoted James Davenport Jr to his
(01:44):
sister.
James Jr was taller than hisfather and he carried himself
with a regal air in spite of hisextreme youth.
He drew down the library shadesand flung himself into an
armchair.
Sis, what do you say to goingto Meredith's for programs?
They have some gorgeous newleather things.
I say white Morocco, with theDavenport coat of arms in golden
(02:07):
blue how does that strike you?
And mistletoe, instead of hollyBorts, is taking orders.
Now supplemented Sis, and Iwant Mother to try that new
caterer on West Fifth.
They say he is so much betterthan….
She stops suddenly and lookedup at James with a startled
expression.
Both listened intently.
They heard the voice of theirmother talking to James Sr in
(02:30):
the music room.
It isn't right, james, with allthe financial reverses you have
suffered this year and all thecalls there are for charity that
we should spend so lavishly.
I shall never forget how nearlywe came to losing the old home
itself.
We ought not to have anyrecital at all.
No recital.
James Sr gasped.
What will the Luddington say,he cried.
(02:53):
The Luddingtons can be thankfulthat they live in well-favored
America and not in starvingGermany.
James Junior slipped from hischair and caught his sister's
arm.
What is it, he whispered.
What are they talking about,hush?
James Sr was speaking again.
We can manage the recital, Ithink, cordelia, and have
something to give besides, hesaid in a low, generous voice,
(03:16):
then we ought to give twice asmuch and go without the recital,
insisted Mrs Davenport.
It would be positively wickedfor us to have the usual orgy of
presence and feasting whilethere is such great need.
The Davenports have always led,let us lead now in giving in
sacrifice.
What will the children say,asked her husband suddenly.
(03:37):
Never mind what they say, james, they need just this kind of
experience.
They are sprend drifts.
Both of them, jim Junior,hasn't the first notion of the
value of money.
And as for Sis, we'veencouraged her in.
Oh well, never mind.
We always had more than enoughuntil the stock company failed.
Perhaps it hasn't been best notto let them know about our
(04:00):
worries, she added thoughtfully.
Sis gazed at her brothersolemnly.
Are we that bad, jim?
She questioned under her breath.
He was silent.
The fire in the great crackledand snapped and leaped and fell.
The voices in the music roomhad dropped to a lower key.
What about stock failing?
James Junior asked finally.
(04:20):
I heard rumors at college, butI didn't suppose it was really
so.
When Dad didn't mention anything, james Junior slung himself
forward, resting his chin in hishands.
Sis watched him in silence.
We'll let the Morocco programsgo away, sis.
He laughed shortly.
Then he looked up see here, howmuch money have you?
(04:41):
Not more than five dollars, Iguess I spent the rest for, and
I haven't a cent.
She gazed at him tremulously wecan't have any Christmas, she
faltered.
James Junior stood up In thefirelight against the dark
background of the library.
He loomed like a young giant,his features standing out white,
(05:04):
vivid, forceful, with all theDavenport pride and reserve.
Quietly he put his hands in hispockets and stared into the
fire.
We have always led, sis, asMother says, and our house has
always been happy at Christmastime.
We have to keep it up.
But the money, jim.
If we can celebrate Christmaswithout money, what's family
(05:27):
pride?
For?
It isn't money pride, sis, it'sthe real article.
We'll have our party just thesame, and we'll do it on what
money we can scare up.
Between us, the time had beenyears before when the Cedar Hill
families were poor, when theDavenport Christmas party had
been very happy but veryeconomical.
But of late years money andsocial rivalry had increased the
(05:51):
expenditure and stunted thehappiness.
Cordelia Davenport had been theleader, and if sometimes she
sighed for more sincerity andless show in their social
affairs, still it had notoccurred to her that the
situation could be remedied.
So used had she become toprofessional singers and high
priced caterers that to forgothese luxuries, even from a
(06:15):
sense of duty, meant noChristmas festivity.
And she sighed as she thoughthow they would miss the annual
gathering.
James Sr, too much as he hatedthe stately social functions,
began to realize a loss as theholidays approached.
No Christmas this year, he saidwith a shrug as he met Mr Clyde
(06:35):
at the corner and they turnedtoward Cedar Hill for dinner.
That's alright, declared Clydeseriously.
We're cutting out some thingstoo rather hard on the children.
Silently, the two men strode upon the hill and it did not
occur to either of them thatthey could celebrate without an
outlay.
What can you do without money,asked Davenport gloomily.
(06:57):
I know, nodded Clyde, itdoesn't rain Christmas doings,
you have to buy them.
It was a few days beforeChristmas and Cordelia Davenport
was making her afternoon toiletbefore a tall mirror in the
dressing room.
Tall mirrors were rather aspecialty with her and if any
one of her family wished to giveher an expensive present, he
(07:18):
knew without asking that shecould find space somewhere for
another mirror or for a cutglass candlestick.
She was not sure which of theseshe liked best.
James Jr once said that hismother ought to live in a glass
house.
Today, as Mrs Davenport dressed, she saw, reflected in her
(07:39):
mirror, the figure of a womancrossing the street and aiming
straight for her front door.
It was a portly figure,increased to absurdity by a huge
collaret and a muff the size oftwo Angora cats.
Madam Luddington, exclaimedCordelia, what can she possibly
want?
This question did not implythat Madam's calls were
(08:01):
infrequent, but merely that hermovements were sometimes social
maneuvers.
The recent stricture in theChristmas expenditure of the
Davenports altered the socialopportunities.
It is so lovely of you to haveus.
Just the same as ever.
Madam greeted Mrs Davenportsincerely and cordially.
Just lovely, it's the trueChristmas spirit.
(08:21):
You don't know how we allappreciate it.
Cordelia Davenport smiledvaguely.
Was this sarcasm?
She remembered uncomfortablythe costly present she had
received from Madam a year ago.
Yes, she parried pleasantly,and the invitations are too
delightful, so informal, I toldSis I hoped she would always
(08:44):
come here after to deliver them.
She is growing into a verycharming young lady.
Yes, cordelia assented.
I'm very proud of my girl.
She is so trustworthy.
What had Sis done?
What had happened?
But Sis was trustworthy.
Mrs Davenport said it over andover frantically to herself as
(09:04):
she smiled at her guest we areall so delighted with your idea
of entertaining us.
Simply, it is so different.
Madam Luddington's good faithwas evident, but Cordelia could
scarcely appreciate it.
She was too much alarmed.
I think she said with suddeninspiration and she marveled at
herself as she said it that amerry Christmas is not dependent
(09:27):
on a bank account.
The plump, shrewd face of herneighbor lighted suddenly, but
we had forgotten that, sheexclaimed.
When James Sr came home fordinner he was unusually happy.
His wife told him of MadamLuddington's visit.
Trust the Davenports forupholding the family honor.
He laughed easily.
(09:47):
They've never failed yet andthey never will.
James Jr and Cis came into theoffice this afternoon and told
me they were going to entertainthe usual crowd on five dollars.
What do you think of that?
Cis said she would bake fourdozen cookies after some recipes
she learned at school.
Cordelia stared Four dozencookies?
(10:08):
She cried.
They aren't expecting to feedMadame Luddington and the rest
on cookies.
James Sr looked alarmed.
This appalling deduction hadnot occurred to him, but relief
at the attitude of his son anddaughter had made him feel
lighthearted.
Well, perhaps that isn't enough.
He returned quickly.
Madame is a hearty eater andthey both laughed till they
(10:29):
cried.
It will be perfectly awful, shesobbed to give those people
cookies, but the children meanwell.
Then she dried her eyes andwent to arrange her hair, but
she stopped short atastonishment.
James, she called James, comehere.
Before them, where the long,broad mirror had hung was a
plain, bare wall, and near thecenter, in an inadequate attempt
(10:51):
to fill the space on James Sr'sshaving glass, stuck to the
wall with a pin, was a bit ofpaper scrawled in the
handwriting of Jim Junior.
Merry Christmas folks.
It challenged.
They were disarmed.
There was nothing to do butlaugh and wonder.
A little paper as much as saiddon't ask any questions.
James Sr was silent for a space.
(11:12):
Cordelia, he said finally we'vegrown away, far away from the
old, simple good times.
Perhaps the children can bringus back.
Let's not worry about theirplans, we can trust them.
Let's be game.
Mrs Davenport gazed at himcontemplatively, a slight smile
beginning to curl about thecorners of her mouth.
She was very shy.
(11:33):
She hesitated why?
Perhaps you're right.
That night, when James Sr camedownstairs to dinner, he tripped
on an innocent-looking yellowbag which stood on the lower
step.
By an agile leap he saved hislife and landed on the rug while
a little stream of lemonsrolled across the polished floor
.
There muttered Jim Junior tosiss in the dining room.
(11:56):
I forgot to take away that bag.
A new faction had arisen atCedar Hill, eager and inventive,
at work for the preservation ofa nearly lost holiday.
All that Merry Christmas hadmet, all that had failed to mean
because of worldliness andsocial bickering hovered
fantastically before theresidents of Cedar Hill.
Secrecy met them at every turn.
(12:17):
As the days passed on, theatmosphere became charged to its
utmost with the current ofmystery such as Merry Christmas
had not brought for years.
On Christmas Eve there was afinal rendezvous in the
Davenport Drawing Room, a flurry, joyous bunch of 14 Cedar Hill
young folks whom James and Sishad pressed into service for the
(12:39):
occasion.
They ranged in age, from theyoungest Luddington, a
five-year-old wee manny in curlsand kilts, to the Lee Twins,
just of age in decked inswallowtails and white shirt
fronts.
James Jr, who had passed his20th birthday and overtopped the
Lees by two inches, was masterof ceremonies and led
proceedings in his gravelydignified way.
(13:01):
Next to him was Isabelle Clyde,the tall blonde, beautiful and
blue chiffon.
And then Sis, black crowned Sis, whose graceful ways and
glorious blue-black hair wereattractions that made one forget
the color of her gown.
Hastily they stationedthemselves in the front hall,
the Lee Twins butler-wise oneither side of the drawing room
(13:23):
entrance, ready to pull thecurtains, james Jr and Sis
waiting to receive, and the resthustling to the place allotted
to them to tune their variousinstruments.
There was indeed an orchestra.
It consisted of one piano, oneviolin, four ukuleles and three
combs, well-papered, well-tuned.
(13:44):
What a travesty.
On the usual Davenport recital,will the proud cedar hill
heights be game?
Is the contrast too great?
Is it indeed true that it doesnot rain Christmas festivities,
that we must buy them At thismoment?
Sis turned an appealing glancetoward James Jr.
Did he too feel the inadequacyof their attempt?
(14:06):
But her brother's eyes werefixed toward the top of the
carved oak staircase where hismother and father were
descending, evidently determinedto be game whatever the cost,
and smilingly concealing anymisgivings.
As they reached the hall below,cordelia glanced at the floor.
The rugs were gone and from thebig front door stretched a
(14:28):
strip of canvas fastenedcarefully with thumbtacks.
What's this for, she asked insurprise.
Turning to her son, we don'tknow Mother.
James Jr told her with a grin.
Mr Lee asked us to put it down.
Mr Lee, at that instant soundeda lugubrious thud on the front
(14:48):
porch followed by a shouts oflaughter.
The door burst open and inrushed Mr Lee, mr Luddington, mr
Clyde and all the other guestsdragging a heavy weight across
the mysterious canvas.
Hello, davenport, got a placefor this thing.
Oh, oh, a yule log alldecorated with holly.
(15:09):
How perfectly lovely.
Wait, I'll help.
Pushing and laughing.
The orchestra piled into thehall to see.
It ought to have come atsundown, explained Clyde, but
the invitation said eighto'clock.
So he gave a final heave andthe huge thing settled into
place and a festive fire waslighted.
(15:29):
Never had the DavenportChristmas entertainment started
in so unceremonious a fashion.
The company stood about talkingexcitedly and not till the old
yule log was actually beginningto kindle did they go upstairs
to remove their wraps.
Cordelia turned to Sis andJames Jr.
It's going to be perfectlysplendid, she said under her
(15:51):
breath.
Your father and I almostworried, but they are taking it
beautifully.
The music had begun, the violinwailed, the combs buzzed.
Sis seized her mother's arm andpointed Cordelia.
Davenport gasped.
Down the staircase came Mr andMrs Lee, arm in arm, in
solemnity unequaled, and behindthem trooped the other guests,
(16:15):
all arrayed in costumes thesplendor of which no Davenport
recital had ever witnessed.
Mrs Lee's gown was composedcompletely of ruffles from the
Sunday comic section, in pinkand red and blue.
Her husband was in black andwhite, as became a gentleman,
with narrow spiral ruffles ofthe Daily Tribune and the Argus
(16:36):
Herald encasing each leg and arm.
Were they game, could anythingand all.
The great town with its wealthand pride, its poverty and
greater pride, its struggle andsorrows, its jealousies and joys
, equal the true Christmasspirit of haughty grandmother
Luddington in her rustling gownof fine print wontons.
(16:57):
The youngest Luddington jumpedbefore her and clapped his hands
and cried oh, gamma, gamma.
He jumped again and lost hisbalance on the waxed floor and
had to be hugged and comforted.
The orchestra trembled andsqueaked and failed in laughter.
The guests rustled and swishedand laughed while the Lee twins,
(17:17):
faithful to their office, drewback the heavy crimson portiers
and revealed the Christmasdrawing room.
There were no festoons ofground pine, no holly wreaths,
not even the ancient bunch ofmistletoe, but a blaze of glory
that dazzled and blinded.
The walls were lined with plateglass mirrors, full length,
(17:38):
expansive, reflecting andreflecting in bewildering
infinity, multiplying in athousand fold.
The candles burning in CordeliaDavenport's cut glass
candlesticks.
There was the big librarymirror with its gilded frame,
the mirrors from the dining room, hall and guest rooms and all
the family-looking glasses,everything that would reflect.
(18:00):
And in the center of the room,upon a tiny table, stood a
diminutive Davenport Christmastree, its tiny candles
glittering and winking at theirmillion reproductions, reflected
on every side.
There were fifty Christmastrees, there were hundreds,
thousands, it seemed.
There were twenty-five guests,there were fifty, there were a
(18:21):
hundred.
And then the recital began withthe opening chorus led by the
Cedar Hill Junior Fourteen, aquaint old Christmas carol they
had learned at school.
After the singing was over,luddington turned to James Sr.
This is great.
He cried.
Why didn't we ever do it before?
What's this sis Going to givethese to me?
(18:43):
He went on comically.
She had paused before him witha silver tray of tiny cards.
This laughed.
No, sir, you may have just one.
We're going to set you all towork.
The card will tell you what todo.
Number 4.
Number 4.
Where's Number 4, called ArchieClyde, rushing frantically
about oh, isabelle, are you 7?
(19:04):
You and I are to beat the eggs.
Number 4.
Number 4.
James Sr roused.
What's this all about?
Why I'm Number 4, my card ismarked 4.
Here, archie, what do you want?
The boy poised on one leg infront of him and read from his
card Help, number 4.
Turn the freezers when the gongsounds.
Lead the way to the kitchen.
(19:25):
Read Mrs Lee meditatively.
Why, where is the kitchen?
Madam Luddington was adjustingher eyeglasses.
Here somebody, she cried.
Do read my card for me.
She handed it to a curly-headedLuddington.
Oh, grandma, you are to cut thecake.
Oh, isn't this fun.
Wait, I'll tell you what itsays.
Please cut the cake, which youwill find on the broad shelf in
(19:48):
the serving room.
There is a knife in theleft-hand upper drawer of the
kitchen cabinet.
Oh, cried Madam, how can I everdo anything in these paper
furbelos?
A gong sounded above the din.
Come on.
Everybody called Mrs Lee.
We're going to the kitchen.
The freezers are all packed.
All you have to do is keep themrolling, explained James Sr to
(20:10):
Archie After an examination ofthe two rounded tubs which
seemed screwed to the table.
Where's the egg beater?
Where's the?
Can it tell why?
Yes, on hanger above the sink.
Here it is.
Such laughter, such informality.
Never had been known.
The newspaper guests flew backand forth.
They folded paper napkins, theyarranged plates of cookies,
(20:32):
they beat eggs and turned themstiff and foaming into the lemon
sherbet.
They carried chairs, they drewwater and filled glasses.
I'm to light the candles on thecake, saying, mrs Clyde, but
where are the matches here herein this tin box?
That last all was ready and thecompany returned to the
Christmas drawing room to eatwhat they themselves had
(20:52):
prepared and served.
You see, we couldn't have acaterer, cis explained.
Ladies and gentlemen, the voiceof James Jr rose above the din
and they looked to where hestood, straight and tall between
the bay windows.
Ladies and gentlemen,twenty-five years ago tonight on
Cedar Hill, in the DavenportParlor, nine persons gathered to
(21:13):
celebrate Christmas Eve.
Around that night, a compactwas made, in the light of the
Christmas candles, to the effectthat, so long as they were
neighbors in sickness or inhealth, in adversity as well as
prosperity, they would, unlessunavoidably pre-prevented, spend
each ensuing Christmas nighttogether.
Those nine persons were Mr andMrs Frank Clyde, mr and Mrs
(21:37):
Walter Lee, mr and Mrs EugeneLuddington, madam Luddington and
Mr and Mrs James Davenport.
Therefore we, the children andheirs of the aforesaid persons
have determined that, so long asthe power lies within us, we
will, with sincerity andgoodwill to all, aid and abet
the aforesaid persons and if, atany time, their courage fails
(22:00):
or money is otherwise diverted,we will, by reason of our
inherited ability andtraditional inventiveness,
provide such entertainment asmay be needed for the annual
occasion In tokenware of.
We present you with thisbirthday cake holding
twenty-five candles, each one ofwhich represents a single
Christmas celebration during thepast quarter-century.
(22:21):
And he added with a grin asthere are now twenty-five of us,
including two guests, there isjust one piece-a-piece with a
candle for each.
Cordelia Davenport's eyes glowed.
She turned to her daughter.
Oh, sis, she breathed.
How did you know?
Who told you, madam Luddington.
(22:42):
And oh, mother, she's been justthe best help.
She suggested the papercostumes too.
Do look at her.
The old lady was shaking withlaughter while she tried to
repair a damaged paper flouncewith pins.
And then at last, amid theclamor of tongues, there sounded
distant sweet chords.
Intrigued, the guests soughtthe source.
(23:05):
In the music room, the youngestLuddington, the little Manny in
curls and kilts, stood by thegrand piano looking at sis.
All the lanterns and candles,but one had been extinguished.
There was a sudden hush.
Sis played the opening chord ofMartin Luther's beloved
children's hymn.
(23:25):
Then the child turned and beganto sing Away.
In a manger no crib for a bedthe little Lord Jesus lay down
his sweet head.
The stars in the bright skylooked down where he lay, the
(23:47):
little Lord Jesus, asleep on thehay.
Across the room where thesinger gazed as he sang was a
nativity illuminated by threecandles.
As the last notes died awayinto the night, there followed
absolute silence.
Christ had returned to CedarHill.
(24:11):
Christmas, the end.
Welcome to another special holiday bonus episode.
Gather the family and enjoythis holiday story, the Real
Christmas Spirit, by Helen ERichards.
(00:40):
In a prosperous middle-westerntown on the east side, at the
upper end of a long avenue ofcomfortable homes, the street
veers suddenly to the right andends in Cedar Hill, a blind but
beautiful alley bordered withlawns, decorated at this time of
year with strange figures ofgunny sacking, wound with cord
(01:00):
and with piles of straw overlaidwith boards.
Back of these suggestions ofthe landscape gardener stand
four houses, wide-spreadingluxurious Cedar Hill homes of
the Davenport, the Clydes, theLees and the Luddingtons.
On Christmas Eve it was customfor Cordelia Davenport to give a
recital and the Clydes and theLees and the Luddingtons came
(01:24):
laden with their articles ofcommerce and hung them on the
Davenport Christmas tree at theend of a long drawing room.
The little group of families onCedar Hill always celebrated
royally because it was withinthe power of Cedar Hill
residents to do so.
And Cedar Hill leads the townquoted James Davenport Jr to his
(01:44):
sister.
James Jr was taller than hisfather and he carried himself
with a regal air in spite of hisextreme youth.
He drew down the library shadesand flung himself into an
armchair.
Sis, what do you say to goingto Meredith's for programs?
They have some gorgeous newleather things.
I say white Morocco, with theDavenport coat of arms in golden
(02:07):
blue how does that strike you?
And mistletoe, instead of hollyBorts, is taking orders.
Now supplemented Sis, and Iwant Mother to try that new
caterer on West Fifth.
They say he is so much betterthan….
She stops suddenly and lookedup at James with a startled
expression.
Both listened intently.
They heard the voice of theirmother talking to James Sr in
(02:30):
the music room.
It isn't right, james, with allthe financial reverses you have
suffered this year and all thecalls there are for charity that
we should spend so lavishly.
I shall never forget how nearlywe came to losing the old home
itself.
We ought not to have anyrecital at all.
No recital.
James Sr gasped.
What will the Luddington say,he cried.
(02:53):
The Luddingtons can be thankfulthat they live in well-favored
America and not in starvingGermany.
James Junior slipped from hischair and caught his sister's
arm.
What is it, he whispered.
What are they talking about,hush?
James Sr was speaking again.
We can manage the recital, Ithink, cordelia, and have
something to give besides, hesaid in a low, generous voice,
(03:16):
then we ought to give twice asmuch and go without the recital,
insisted Mrs Davenport.
It would be positively wickedfor us to have the usual orgy of
presence and feasting whilethere is such great need.
The Davenports have always led,let us lead now in giving in
sacrifice.
What will the children say,asked her husband suddenly.
(03:37):
Never mind what they say, james, they need just this kind of
experience.
They are sprend drifts.
Both of them, jim Junior,hasn't the first notion of the
value of money.
And as for Sis, we'veencouraged her in.
Oh well, never mind.
We always had more than enoughuntil the stock company failed.
Perhaps it hasn't been best notto let them know about our
(04:00):
worries, she added thoughtfully.
Sis gazed at her brothersolemnly.
Are we that bad, jim?
She questioned under her breath.
He was silent.
The fire in the great crackledand snapped and leaped and fell.
The voices in the music roomhad dropped to a lower key.
What about stock failing?
James Junior asked finally.
(04:20):
I heard rumors at college, butI didn't suppose it was really
so.
When Dad didn't mention anything, james Junior slung himself
forward, resting his chin in hishands.
Sis watched him in silence.
We'll let the Morocco programsgo away, sis.
He laughed shortly.
Then he looked up see here, howmuch money have you?
(04:41):
Not more than five dollars, Iguess I spent the rest for, and
I haven't a cent.
She gazed at him tremulously wecan't have any Christmas, she
faltered.
James Junior stood up In thefirelight against the dark
background of the library.
He loomed like a young giant,his features standing out white,
(05:04):
vivid, forceful, with all theDavenport pride and reserve.
Quietly he put his hands in hispockets and stared into the
fire.
We have always led, sis, asMother says, and our house has
always been happy at Christmastime.
We have to keep it up.
But the money, jim.
If we can celebrate Christmaswithout money, what's family
(05:27):
pride?
For?
It isn't money pride, sis, it'sthe real article.
We'll have our party just thesame, and we'll do it on what
money we can scare up.
Between us, the time had beenyears before when the Cedar Hill
families were poor, when theDavenport Christmas party had
been very happy but veryeconomical.
But of late years money andsocial rivalry had increased the
(05:51):
expenditure and stunted thehappiness.
Cordelia Davenport had been theleader, and if sometimes she
sighed for more sincerity andless show in their social
affairs, still it had notoccurred to her that the
situation could be remedied.
So used had she become toprofessional singers and high
priced caterers that to forgothese luxuries, even from a
(06:15):
sense of duty, meant noChristmas festivity.
And she sighed as she thoughthow they would miss the annual
gathering.
James Sr, too much as he hatedthe stately social functions,
began to realize a loss as theholidays approached.
No Christmas this year, he saidwith a shrug as he met Mr Clyde
(06:35):
at the corner and they turnedtoward Cedar Hill for dinner.
That's alright, declared Clydeseriously.
We're cutting out some thingstoo rather hard on the children.
Silently, the two men strode upon the hill and it did not
occur to either of them thatthey could celebrate without an
outlay.
What can you do without money,asked Davenport gloomily.
(06:57):
I know, nodded Clyde, itdoesn't rain Christmas doings,
you have to buy them.
It was a few days beforeChristmas and Cordelia Davenport
was making her afternoon toiletbefore a tall mirror in the
dressing room.
Tall mirrors were rather aspecialty with her and if any
one of her family wished to giveher an expensive present, he
(07:18):
knew without asking that shecould find space somewhere for
another mirror or for a cutglass candlestick.
She was not sure which of theseshe liked best.
James Jr once said that hismother ought to live in a glass
house.
Today, as Mrs Davenport dressed, she saw, reflected in her
(07:39):
mirror, the figure of a womancrossing the street and aiming
straight for her front door.
It was a portly figure,increased to absurdity by a huge
collaret and a muff the size oftwo Angora cats.
Madam Luddington, exclaimedCordelia, what can she possibly
want?
This question did not implythat Madam's calls were
(08:01):
infrequent, but merely that hermovements were sometimes social
maneuvers.
The recent stricture in theChristmas expenditure of the
Davenports altered the socialopportunities.
It is so lovely of you to haveus.
Just the same as ever.
Madam greeted Mrs Davenportsincerely and cordially.
Just lovely, it's the trueChristmas spirit.
(08:21):
You don't know how we allappreciate it.
Cordelia Davenport smiledvaguely.
Was this sarcasm?
She remembered uncomfortablythe costly present she had
received from Madam a year ago.
Yes, she parried pleasantly,and the invitations are too
delightful, so informal, I toldSis I hoped she would always
(08:44):
come here after to deliver them.
She is growing into a verycharming young lady.
Yes, cordelia assented.
I'm very proud of my girl.
She is so trustworthy.
What had Sis done?
What had happened?
But Sis was trustworthy.
Mrs Davenport said it over andover frantically to herself as
(09:04):
she smiled at her guest we areall so delighted with your idea
of entertaining us.
Simply, it is so different.
Madam Luddington's good faithwas evident, but Cordelia could
scarcely appreciate it.
She was too much alarmed.
I think she said with suddeninspiration and she marveled at
herself as she said it that amerry Christmas is not dependent
(09:27):
on a bank account.
The plump, shrewd face of herneighbor lighted suddenly, but
we had forgotten that, sheexclaimed.
When James Sr came home fordinner he was unusually happy.
His wife told him of MadamLuddington's visit.
Trust the Davenports forupholding the family honor.
He laughed easily.
(09:47):
They've never failed yet andthey never will.
James Jr and Cis came into theoffice this afternoon and told
me they were going to entertainthe usual crowd on five dollars.
What do you think of that?
Cis said she would bake fourdozen cookies after some recipes
she learned at school.
Cordelia stared Four dozencookies?
(10:08):
She cried.
They aren't expecting to feedMadame Luddington and the rest
on cookies.
James Sr looked alarmed.
This appalling deduction hadnot occurred to him, but relief
at the attitude of his son anddaughter had made him feel
lighthearted.
Well, perhaps that isn't enough.
He returned quickly.
Madame is a hearty eater andthey both laughed till they
(10:29):
cried.
It will be perfectly awful, shesobbed to give those people
cookies, but the children meanwell.
Then she dried her eyes andwent to arrange her hair, but
she stopped short atastonishment.
James, she called James, comehere.
Before them, where the long,broad mirror had hung was a
plain, bare wall, and near thecenter, in an inadequate attempt
(10:51):
to fill the space on James Sr'sshaving glass, stuck to the
wall with a pin, was a bit ofpaper scrawled in the
handwriting of Jim Junior.
Merry Christmas folks.
It challenged.
They were disarmed.
There was nothing to do butlaugh and wonder.
A little paper as much as saiddon't ask any questions.
James Sr was silent for a space.
(11:12):
Cordelia, he said finally we'vegrown away, far away from the
old, simple good times.
Perhaps the children can bringus back.
Let's not worry about theirplans, we can trust them.
Let's be game.
Mrs Davenport gazed at himcontemplatively, a slight smile
beginning to curl about thecorners of her mouth.
She was very shy.
(11:33):
She hesitated why?
Perhaps you're right.
That night, when James Sr camedownstairs to dinner, he tripped
on an innocent-looking yellowbag which stood on the lower
step.
By an agile leap he saved hislife and landed on the rug while
a little stream of lemonsrolled across the polished floor
.
There muttered Jim Junior tosiss in the dining room.
(11:56):
I forgot to take away that bag.
A new faction had arisen atCedar Hill, eager and inventive,
at work for the preservation ofa nearly lost holiday.
All that Merry Christmas hadmet, all that had failed to mean
because of worldliness andsocial bickering hovered
fantastically before theresidents of Cedar Hill.
Secrecy met them at every turn.
(12:17):
As the days passed on, theatmosphere became charged to its
utmost with the current ofmystery such as Merry Christmas
had not brought for years.
On Christmas Eve there was afinal rendezvous in the
Davenport Drawing Room, a flurry, joyous bunch of 14 Cedar Hill
young folks whom James and Sishad pressed into service for the
(12:39):
occasion.
They ranged in age, from theyoungest Luddington, a
five-year-old wee manny in curlsand kilts, to the Lee Twins,
just of age in decked inswallowtails and white shirt
fronts.
James Jr, who had passed his20th birthday and overtopped the
Lees by two inches, was masterof ceremonies and led
proceedings in his gravelydignified way.
(13:01):
Next to him was Isabelle Clyde,the tall blonde, beautiful and
blue chiffon.
And then Sis, black crowned Sis, whose graceful ways and
glorious blue-black hair wereattractions that made one forget
the color of her gown.
Hastily they stationedthemselves in the front hall,
the Lee Twins butler-wise oneither side of the drawing room
(13:23):
entrance, ready to pull thecurtains, james Jr and Sis
waiting to receive, and the resthustling to the place allotted
to them to tune their variousinstruments.
There was indeed an orchestra.
It consisted of one piano, oneviolin, four ukuleles and three
combs, well-papered, well-tuned.
(13:44):
What a travesty.
On the usual Davenport recital,will the proud cedar hill
heights be game?
Is the contrast too great?
Is it indeed true that it doesnot rain Christmas festivities,
that we must buy them At thismoment?
Sis turned an appealing glancetoward James Jr.
Did he too feel the inadequacyof their attempt?
(14:06):
But her brother's eyes werefixed toward the top of the
carved oak staircase where hismother and father were
descending, evidently determinedto be game whatever the cost,
and smilingly concealing anymisgivings.
As they reached the hall below,cordelia glanced at the floor.
The rugs were gone and from thebig front door stretched a
(14:28):
strip of canvas fastenedcarefully with thumbtacks.
What's this for, she asked insurprise.
Turning to her son, we don'tknow Mother.
James Jr told her with a grin.
Mr Lee asked us to put it down.
Mr Lee, at that instant soundeda lugubrious thud on the front
(14:48):
porch followed by a shouts oflaughter.
The door burst open and inrushed Mr Lee, mr Luddington, mr
Clyde and all the other guestsdragging a heavy weight across
the mysterious canvas.
Hello, davenport, got a placefor this thing.
Oh, oh, a yule log alldecorated with holly.
(15:09):
How perfectly lovely.
Wait, I'll help.
Pushing and laughing.
The orchestra piled into thehall to see.
It ought to have come atsundown, explained Clyde, but
the invitation said eighto'clock.
So he gave a final heave andthe huge thing settled into
place and a festive fire waslighted.
(15:29):
Never had the DavenportChristmas entertainment started
in so unceremonious a fashion.
The company stood about talkingexcitedly and not till the old
yule log was actually beginningto kindle did they go upstairs
to remove their wraps.
Cordelia turned to Sis andJames Jr.
It's going to be perfectlysplendid, she said under her
(15:51):
breath.
Your father and I almostworried, but they are taking it
beautifully.
The music had begun, the violinwailed, the combs buzzed.
Sis seized her mother's arm andpointed Cordelia.
Davenport gasped.
Down the staircase came Mr andMrs Lee, arm in arm, in
solemnity unequaled, and behindthem trooped the other guests,
(16:15):
all arrayed in costumes thesplendor of which no Davenport
recital had ever witnessed.
Mrs Lee's gown was composedcompletely of ruffles from the
Sunday comic section, in pinkand red and blue.
Her husband was in black andwhite, as became a gentleman,
with narrow spiral ruffles ofthe Daily Tribune and the Argus
(16:36):
Herald encasing each leg and arm.
Were they game, could anythingand all.
The great town with its wealthand pride, its poverty and
greater pride, its struggle andsorrows, its jealousies and joys
, equal the true Christmasspirit of haughty grandmother
Luddington in her rustling gownof fine print wontons.
(16:57):
The youngest Luddington jumpedbefore her and clapped his hands
and cried oh, gamma, gamma.
He jumped again and lost hisbalance on the waxed floor and
had to be hugged and comforted.
The orchestra trembled andsqueaked and failed in laughter.
The guests rustled and swishedand laughed while the Lee twins,
(17:17):
faithful to their office, drewback the heavy crimson portiers
and revealed the Christmasdrawing room.
There were no festoons ofground pine, no holly wreaths,
not even the ancient bunch ofmistletoe, but a blaze of glory
that dazzled and blinded.
The walls were lined with plateglass mirrors, full length,
(17:38):
expansive, reflecting andreflecting in bewildering
infinity, multiplying in athousand fold.
The candles burning in CordeliaDavenport's cut glass
candlesticks.
There was the big librarymirror with its gilded frame,
the mirrors from the dining room, hall and guest rooms and all
the family-looking glasses,everything that would reflect.
(18:00):
And in the center of the room,upon a tiny table, stood a
diminutive Davenport Christmastree, its tiny candles
glittering and winking at theirmillion reproductions, reflected
on every side.
There were fifty Christmastrees, there were hundreds,
thousands, it seemed.
There were twenty-five guests,there were fifty, there were a
(18:21):
hundred.
And then the recital began withthe opening chorus led by the
Cedar Hill Junior Fourteen, aquaint old Christmas carol they
had learned at school.
After the singing was over,luddington turned to James Sr.
This is great.
He cried.
Why didn't we ever do it before?
What's this sis Going to givethese to me?
(18:43):
He went on comically.
She had paused before him witha silver tray of tiny cards.
This laughed.
No, sir, you may have just one.
We're going to set you all towork.
The card will tell you what todo.
Number 4.
Number 4.
Where's Number 4, called ArchieClyde, rushing frantically
about oh, isabelle, are you 7?
(19:04):
You and I are to beat the eggs.
Number 4.
Number 4.
James Sr roused.
What's this all about?
Why I'm Number 4, my card ismarked 4.
Here, archie, what do you want?
The boy poised on one leg infront of him and read from his
card Help, number 4.
Turn the freezers when the gongsounds.
Lead the way to the kitchen.
(19:25):
Read Mrs Lee meditatively.
Why, where is the kitchen?
Madam Luddington was adjustingher eyeglasses.
Here somebody, she cried.
Do read my card for me.
She handed it to a curly-headedLuddington.
Oh, grandma, you are to cut thecake.
Oh, isn't this fun.
Wait, I'll tell you what itsays.
Please cut the cake, which youwill find on the broad shelf in
(19:48):
the serving room.
There is a knife in theleft-hand upper drawer of the
kitchen cabinet.
Oh, cried Madam, how can I everdo anything in these paper
furbelos?
A gong sounded above the din.
Come on.
Everybody called Mrs Lee.
We're going to the kitchen.
The freezers are all packed.
All you have to do is keep themrolling, explained James Sr to
(20:10):
Archie After an examination ofthe two rounded tubs which
seemed screwed to the table.
Where's the egg beater?
Where's the?
Can it tell why?
Yes, on hanger above the sink.
Here it is.
Such laughter, such informality.
Never had been known.
The newspaper guests flew backand forth.
They folded paper napkins, theyarranged plates of cookies,
(20:32):
they beat eggs and turned themstiff and foaming into the lemon
sherbet.
They carried chairs, they drewwater and filled glasses.
I'm to light the candles on thecake, saying, mrs Clyde, but
where are the matches here herein this tin box?
That last all was ready and thecompany returned to the
Christmas drawing room to eatwhat they themselves had
(20:52):
prepared and served.
You see, we couldn't have acaterer, cis explained.
Ladies and gentlemen, the voiceof James Jr rose above the din
and they looked to where hestood, straight and tall between
the bay windows.
Ladies and gentlemen,twenty-five years ago tonight on
Cedar Hill, in the DavenportParlor, nine persons gathered to
(21:13):
celebrate Christmas Eve.
Around that night, a compactwas made, in the light of the
Christmas candles, to the effectthat, so long as they were
neighbors in sickness or inhealth, in adversity as well as
prosperity, they would, unlessunavoidably pre-prevented, spend
each ensuing Christmas nighttogether.
Those nine persons were Mr andMrs Frank Clyde, mr and Mrs
(21:37):
Walter Lee, mr and Mrs EugeneLuddington, madam Luddington and
Mr and Mrs James Davenport.
Therefore we, the children andheirs of the aforesaid persons
have determined that, so long asthe power lies within us, we
will, with sincerity andgoodwill to all, aid and abet
the aforesaid persons and if, atany time, their courage fails
(22:00):
or money is otherwise diverted,we will, by reason of our
inherited ability andtraditional inventiveness,
provide such entertainment asmay be needed for the annual
occasion In tokenware of.
We present you with thisbirthday cake holding
twenty-five candles, each one ofwhich represents a single
Christmas celebration during thepast quarter-century.
(22:21):
And he added with a grin asthere are now twenty-five of us,
including two guests, there isjust one piece-a-piece with a
candle for each.
Cordelia Davenport's eyes glowed.
She turned to her daughter.
Oh, sis, she breathed.
How did you know?
Who told you, madam Luddington.
(22:42):
And oh, mother, she's been justthe best help.
She suggested the papercostumes too.
Do look at her.
The old lady was shaking withlaughter while she tried to
repair a damaged paper flouncewith pins.
And then at last, amid theclamor of tongues, there sounded
distant sweet chords.
Intrigued, the guests soughtthe source.
(23:05):
In the music room, the youngestLuddington, the little Manny in
curls and kilts, stood by thegrand piano looking at sis.
All the lanterns and candles,but one had been extinguished.
There was a sudden hush.
Sis played the opening chord ofMartin Luther's beloved
children's hymn.
(23:25):
Then the child turned and beganto sing Away.
In a manger no crib for a bedthe little Lord Jesus lay down
his sweet head.
The stars in the bright skylooked down where he lay, the
(23:47):
little Lord Jesus, asleep on thehay.
Across the room where thesinger gazed as he sang was a
nativity illuminated by threecandles.
As the last notes died awayinto the night, there followed
absolute silence.
Christ had returned to CedarHill.
(24:11):
Christmas, the end.
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