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Show Chapter Thirteen I can't believe it's Christmas Eve. I've been a waitress now for more than seven months. I'm doing a good job, too. Rose has been such a good friend and big help. Christmas! It will be strange without Mama and Papa and the family. I wonder what they are doing now-I've hardly thought of them at all-they seem so far away and I have been so tired at night. There is a tree downstairs all decorated. I've never seen such a big one. This party tonight-I'm worried. I've served just as big before, but somehow this one seems special . . . The table in the dining room seated sixteen guests who had gathered together for Christmas Eve. It was a subdued party, everyone seemed rather introspective and pensive, cordial, but reserved. Many were considering the circumstances which brought them to a hotel at a time when the warmth of family was almost a necessity. Not that the hotel wasn't pleasant! The Irma was more than comfortable, the surroundings rich and warm, and the furnishings elegant. It was one of Col. Cody's many ventures in the west and he had filled it with as many comforts as could be gathered to the northern Wyoming town which bore his name. The walls were dark, panelled mahogany, and the tapestries were red as were the rug and padded velvet chairs at the |
