The Christmas Victory

Another joyous Christmas time came and went for the Longfellow family. Henry was especially happy that now all of his children were home so they could all enjoy the holiday together. It was Charles who put the star on the top of the tree this year, as well as setting up the manger scene. Again, they invited Dr. Buridge. “Well, how was your trip, Charles,” the doctor asked as he sipped his final cup of coffee.”

“Wonderful, just wonderful, Doc.” Charles answered. “We even got to the see the Czar.” Looking at his father, he added “I gave him a copy of your poem.” Then, he laughed and added, “I must admit though that my Uncle Natty is quite a character—and so set in his ways”

“Yes,” agreed Henry, “He’s quite a character at that.”

Charles thought for a moment and then added: “You know who else we saw? Mark Twain. I gave him a copy of your poem too, though he says he doesn’t have much time for religion.”

“Mark Twain?” asked Mary Alice, excitedly. “Isn’t he the one who wrote that delightful jumping frog story?”

“That’s him. I doubt if he’s written anything major since. I forgot to tell you I had met him previously on the train when I left to join the army, only his name wasn’t Twain then.”

“Oh, what was it?”

“Clemens. Samuel Clemens.”

“Well!” asserted Henry. “That’s something to tell your children if you every have any—that you knew Mark Twain before he was Mark Twain.”