Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1848-12-29

inc n moment, tuTneu away anu Wdlkeu To- |
VS. The door He evidently expected some
hing, and seemed disappointed. The printer
noticed this, and at once comprehended its
meaning.
john he said kindly.
The boy stopped and turned around as he'll
did so, the printer took up half dollar from the
desk, and holding it between his fingers,
said
You've been very good boy, John. and
think you deserve Christmas gift. Here's
half dollar for you
Johns counenance was lii up in an instant
AS he came back to get the money, the print
er's eye rested upon his feet, which were not
covered with very comfortable pair of shoes,
and he said
Which would you rather have, John, this
half dollar ora pair of new shoes p
"Pd rather have the new Shoes" replied,
John, without hesitation.
Very well; l wilfwrite you an order on
shoemaker, and, you can go and fit YOURSELF,
and the printer turned TO his desk and wrote
the order.
AS he handed to John the piece of paper on
which the order was written, the lad looked
earnestly into his face, and then said, with
strongly marked hesitation
81 think, sir, that my shoes will do very
we'll if mended; they only want mending'-
Won't you please write shoes for my mother
instead of me? 90,
The boys Voice trembled, and his face was
suffused. He felt that he had ventured 100
much. The printer looked at him for mo-
ment or two, and then said
'.Does your mother want shoes badly?'
| "Oh, yes, sir. She doesn't earn much by
washing and ironing when she can do it, but
| L. L.. oIr,~
3hasn't been able to do any thing but work
about the house since"
"And are your wages all she has to live
upon %
They are now"
"You have little sister, / believer
eyes, sir"
Does she want shoes, also -
"She has had nothing but old rags on her
feet for month";"
"Indeed %
The printer turned to his desk, and sat and
unused for half minute, while John stood
with his heart beating so loud that he could
hear its pulsations.
"Give me that order,' the man at length
said to the boy, who handed him the slip of
paper He tore it up, and then took his pen
| and wrote q new order.
''Take this he said, presenting it TO John,
81 have told the shoemaker to give you a
pair for your mother, yourself and your little
sister: and here is the half dollar, my boy
you must have that also.'
! John took the order and the money. and
stood for few moments looking into the prin-
ter's face, while his lips moved as if he were
trying to speak; but no sound came theretrom
Then he turned away and left the office with
out saying a word.
I'll lot to Irb+ III
widow Elliot, as she got up and went to the
door to look out in the hope Of seeing her
, boy. Supper had been ready for at least ar
hour, but she didn't feel like eating anything
+ until John came Nome. Little Netty had fal
len asleep by the fire, and was now snugly
covered up in bed AS Mrs. Elliot opened the
, door, tie cold air pressed in upon her, bearing
its heavy burden of snow. She shlvered like
t one in a sudden ague fit, and shutting the door
: quickly murmurcd-
My poor boy--it is dreadful night TO
:, him TO be out, and so thfnIy clad. | wonde
why he stays so late away"
d The mother had hardly uttered these words
Vt when the door was thrown open, and JohI
;, entered with hasty step, bearing severa
u packages in his arms, all covered with snow
e There's your Christmas gift, mother salt
!, he in delighted voice; and here is mine
:. and there is Netty'sn displaying at the same
" time three pairs of shoes, a paper of sugar
another of tea, and another of rice.
n Mrs Elliot looked bewidered.
: 'Where did all these come from, John
, she asked, in trembling voice, for she wa
S overcome with surprise and pleasure at this
. unexpected supply of articles so much needed
John gave an ertess relation of what hat
passed between him and the printer for whom
. he worked, and added
: | knew the number you wore, and | th1
would guess at Netty's size. If they don,
l.. fit. the man says he will change them ant
f I'll go clear back to the store tonight but wha
: she shall have her new shoes for Christmas
: Won't She be glad wish she were awake
i And the tea, sugar, and rice, you bough
f with the half dollar he gave you? said tn
S mother
II YES replied John; L bought the tea an
Y the sugar for you. They're your Christina
v gift from me- And the rice we'll all have to
h morrow. Won't you make us rice pudding
" for our d.nner?'
Y You're good boy, John-a very goo
n boy said the mother, much affected by til
V generous spirit her son displayed. Yes, yo
h shall have rice pudding. But take off you
d wet Shoes my son-they are all wet-and dr.
O your feet by the fire.
> No, not till you put Nettys shoes on t
e see if they fit her, replied John. If the
don't fit, I'm going back to the store for a pa
(, that will. She shall have her new shoes tc
l. Christmas. And mother, try yours on-ma
be they won't do
id To satisfy the earnest boy, Mrs. Elliot trie
N on Nettys shoes, although the child was sieeE
Is ing.
Just the thing she said.
10 Now try On yours urged John.
They couldn't fit me better said the moth
d, er, as she slipped on one of her shoes. No'
L. take off your wet ones, and dry your feet bt
fore the fire. while put the supper on the ia
ID ble'
Id John satisfied now that all was right, did q
ar his mother wished, while she got ready the
frugal repast. Both were too much excited I
d have very keen appetites. AS they wei
re about rising from the table, after fnishin
Mt their meal, some one knocked at the doc
ct John opened it, and gentleman came in an
said fami..lrly-
fy How do you do, Mrs. Elliot"
'Oh-how do you do, Mr.. Mayfeld: TAX
L. a seat : and she handed her visitor chair.
i'll How has your wrist got, Mrs. Elliot? A
| you most ready to take my washing again :
I T., I 4boD h1.fp of C-alI