Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1848-12-20


der why he STAYS SO late away!
The mother had hardly uttered these
words when the door was III rown open.
and John entered with hasty step. bear,
ing several pack ages in his arms, all COW
cred with snow.
There's your Christmas gift. mother,
said he, in delighted voice; and here is
mine. and there is Netty's! displaying at
the same time three pairs Of shoes, pa
per Of sugar, another tea, and another
Of rice.
Mrs Elliot looked bewildercd.
Where did all these come from. John!
she asked, in a trembling voice, for she
was overcome with surprise and pleasure
at this unexpected supply Of articles 80
much needed.
John gave an artless relation Of what
had passed between him and the printer
for whom he worked, and added
knew the number you wore, and
thought could guess at Neny's size. II
they don't fit. the man says he will change
them: and III 90 clear back to the store
CHIT but what she shall have her new
shoes for Christmas. Won't she be glad!
| wish she were awake.
And the tea. sugar and rice, you bought
with the half dollar he gave you! said his
mother.
Yes. replied John; bought the tea and
sugar for you. They're your Christmas
gift from me. And the rice we'll all have
Tomorrow, Won't you make us rice
pudding for on. dinner!
You re good boy, John-a very good
bow. said the mother. much affected by
the generous spirit her son had displayed
! Yes, you shall have a rice pudding. But
take off your wet shoes. my son-they are
all wet-and dry your feet by the fire.
! No. no, till you put Netty's shoes on TO
see ifthey fit her. replied John. fthey
don't fit. I'm going back to the store for
pair that will She shall have her new
shoes for Christmas. And, mother. try
yours on-maybe they won't do.
TO satisfy the earnest boy. Mrs. Elliot
tried on Netty's shoes, although the child
was sleeping.
Now try on yours, urged John.
They couldn't Fl, me better. said the
mother, as she slipped on one Of the
shoes. Now take off your wet ones. and
dry your feet before the fire, while put
the supper on the table.
John, satisfied now that all was right
did as his mother wished, while she got
ready their frugal repast. Both were too
much excited to have very keen appetites
I As they were about raising from the ia
Bile. after finishing their meal, some one
knocked at the door. John opened it
and a gentleman came in and said, ia
miliarly-
How do you do, Mrs. Elliot!
! Oh-how do you do, MIR. Mayfeld!-
Take a seat; and she handed her visitor a
chair.
How has your wrist got, Mrs. Elliot!
Are YOU most ready to take my washing
again!
It's better. thank you, but not wei
enough for that; and can't tell when j
will be. A sprain is so long in getting
well.
How do YOU get along! asked Mr.. May
field. Can you do any kind of work!
Nothing more than little about the
house.
Then you don't earn anything at all!
No, sir-nothing.
How do you manage to live, Mrs. Ell
hot!
We have to get along the best we car
on John 5 two dollars week.
Two dollars a week! You can't live
on two dollars week, Mrs. Elliot; that i,
impossible.
it's all we have, said the widow.
Mr. Mayiield asked good many more
questions. and showed very kindly in
terest in the poor widows affairs. Whel
he arose to 60 away. he said
Twill send you few things tonight
Mrs. Elliot. as a Christmas present. Thi
is the season when friends remembe
each other. and tokens Of good will ar.
passing in all directions. l think l can
not do better than 10 spend all desgl
giving for this purpose, in making you
little more comfortable. So when the MAJ
comes with what shall send, YOU will
know that it is for you. Good night.
will drop in to see you again before long
i And ere Mrs. Elliot could express he
thanks. Mr.. Mayfield had retired.
No very long time passed. before m
voice Of man, speaking to his horse. wa
heard at the door. The vehicle hae
moved so noiselessly on the snow-cover
ed street that its approach had not beer
observed. The loud stroke of Will
handle on the door caused the expectan
widow and her son TO start. John imme
diately opened it.
Is this Mrs. Elliot'sl asked cartman
who stood with his leather hat and roug
coat all covered with snow.
}, Yes. sir. replied John.
:, Very well; I've got Christmas presen
for her, | rather think; so hold open tn
, door until bring it in.
, John had been trying on his new shoe
and had got them laced up about his an
kles Just as the. carman came. So out b
bounden into the snow, leaving the doc
to take care Of itself. and was up into tn
, /, car in twinkling. 1t did not take long
with Johns active assistance. to transfe
! the contents Of the car to the widow
store-room. which had been for lon
time wanting in almost everything.
Good night I, you. madam. said III
carman. as he was retiring. and may tc
: morrow be the happiest Christmas yo