The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1843-12-02
THE STRANGER AND THE MAI
DEN.
BIZ MRS. CAROLINE LEE HENTz.

! Twas I,eslal eve. The lamps sen
down their trembling ;, reflected by
shining crystal and wreathing silver, on
myriad forms of beauty aud grace. The
music sent forth The moral, gladdenIng
: strains. aud bounding fee, kept time 10 the
joyous melody. Evening shades deepen.
ed inlo midnight gloom, without, yet still
! The gay nntes were heard, aud the unweai,-
Ied jewellers Continued their graceful e
vnluliOns.
Just as the clock stuck IL, a stranger
entered The banqne'llng room, and as
unaccompanied by an. guide or rrolec-
tor, every eye was turned toward her.
WIN can she be2' whispered young
g'rl to her partner, drawing close to his
side.
He answered not, so intenlly was he
gazing ON the figure; which now stood in
the tenre of the hall, looking calmly and
immovaby on those around. Her white
robes fell in long slumberous folds to
he feel, her fair shining hair float
ed back from her face, like heecy clouds,
tagged by the moonbealn's radiance, and
the sill depths of her azure eyes shone
with mysterious unla,homable luslre.
"Why are ye gathered here?" asked
she OF the Young maiden, who shrnnk
back as she gllded near her, with noise
less step.--"What mean these glad
srslns, ant HE flowers that decorate your
browse"
The low, thrilling melody orthe stran-
Ger's voice echoed TO the remolesl cor
ners of tina, spacious hall, and the Minis
rels rau,ed to listen,
bling mald"n, sand we have met in joy
and mlrlh to commemorate the era"
'Whv is this night chosen as scene
of lestivily2" asked the sweet-voced
stranger,
sit Is Christmas eve" replied the mai
den, "the birth might of our Saviour, and
ii is oar custom to celebrate il with mu-
sic and dancing"
sit was once celebrated in ancient days.
said the stranger, "wIth a splehdor and
beauty that would shame the decorations
OF these wall While the shepherds OF
ChAl,lea were watching their tlocks be-
meath the starry gl"rles of mid nIghl,they
heard strains of more than mortal melody
gushing round lhem-r"llng above them
the thrilling of invisible harps, accom-
panied by celestial voices, all breathing
one sweet, triumphant anlhem-Glorv Ia
G ID IN the Highest; an Earth, peace and
good will to men,. While they listened
IN adoring wonder, one of the stars oi
ling sln " over the depths of ether,
Iteid IT'S silver lamps over the manger
where slpp, the babe of Bethlehem. Then
the wise men of the East came with their
costly offerings, and laid them down al
The fee, OF the infan, Redeemer. And
where are your gil's?o continued she.
turning her sui, shining eyes from one tn
the other of the Istening throng; "wha'
have We brough, hi. night to lay at your
Saviour's ltei IN cummemoratiou OF your
gratitude aud lnve2 Where is your gold,
vour iranklncense aud mvrrh?-Wher
are the gems from the hearts treasury,
at Y. are ready to sacrifice on the altar
ni your l.ord2'
The yoLng maiden whom she had al
fast addressed. cast one fearful, earnts'
glance on her gay companions, then UNI
finding the roses from her brow, the
Jewels from her neck. aud drawing from
her iinge,s each golden RUG, 'N here is The
al,ar,' she c,ied. "lhal may ,lace
my offering hcre2"
Come with me- said the slanger, sand
! Mill lead Won where Won can find more
pre- cous gifts than these; gifts that will
relaln the r beauty, when these ga'land-
>hsll wilhrr aud the diamond and fine gold
become dlm,"
The maiden took hold of the strangers
hand. and passed through the hall, which
she had so lately entered in lhonghtless
vanity and ninth. Her companions press
ed round her ard impeded her way.
oh. stay with usI' they exclaimed
and follow not The steps of the stranger
your eyes are dam. your cheek is pale
shadows are gathering over your face
She may lead you to the chambers 0
death"
"HInder me not" cried the fair maiden
II may not slight the voice that summon,
me-" Though walk through the val
ley of the shadow Of death, will fear n,
evil"
A celestial smile beamed on the face o
the stranger, as the young girl uttered
these words, aud they disappeared from
the festive hall. Through the long
sweeping shadows of midnight hey gld
ed on, ull they came to Hretched hoveI
through whose shattered easements tn
night gust was moaning, making mos
melancholy music. By the dim ig hit of
taper they behed pale mother. crallin,
h'r wasted infant in her arms, striving /,
= hush its feeble wailings, looking dow