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

SElI w SPtbbA s"Chpy su P'S''''''
merely for appearance sake. Is this
righ','
Right If you choose to do it, he re-
piled TO himself
Il am not sure Of that he added, after
pause. And then he sat in quite mu-
sing mood for some minutes.
That's better he at length said, rising
up and walking about the floor. That
would be money and good feelings spent
to a better purpose
But they'll expect something he ar
gucd with himself the family will think
so strange oft. Perhaps I'd better spend
half the amount in elegant books for Liz
Nv and Jane, and let the other 60 iii the
way | propose
This suggestion, however, did not sat-
isfy him.
Better let il all 60 in the other direc-
ton he said after thinking awhile long
err; 1T will do real good. The time will
come when can explain the whole mat
ter if necessary, and do away with any
little false impression that may have been
formed
To the conclusion at which Edward ar
rived, he remained firm. No present Of
any kind was made to his betrotIed or
her sister. and the reader has seen in
what light the commission was viewed.
Christmas eve proved to be one Of unu-
falling all day, driven into every nook
and corner, cleft and cranney, by a Pierc-
! ing Northeastern; and now, although the
wind had ceased to roar among the CHM
neys and to whrl the snow with binding
violence into the face ofany one who ven-
tured abroad, the broad flakes were fall
! ing slowly but more heavily than since
morning, though the ground was covered
to the depth of many inches. 1t was a
night to make the poor feel sober as they
/ gathered more closely around their small
fires. and thought of the few sticks OF
wood or pecks Of coal that yet remained
of their limited store.
On this dreary night, a small boy, who
had been at work in printing office all
day. stood near the desk of the employer.
waiting TO receive his weeks wages and
90 home to his mothor, a poor widow.
whose slender income scarcely suificed to
give food to her little household.
| You needn't come Tomorrow, John,
said the printer, as he handed the lad two
dollars that were due him for the week s
work: ito morrow is Christmas.
The boy took the money, and after lin
cering a moment. turned away and walk
ed toward the door. lie evidently expcc-
ted something. and seemed disappointed
The printer noticed this, and at once
comprchended its meaning.
John he said kindly.
The boy stopped and turned around;
az he did so, the printer took up bali
dollar from the desk. and holding it be-
tween his fingers. said
You've been a very good boy. John,
and think you deserve a Christmas gift
Here's half dollar for you
Johns countenance was lit up in an in.
stant As he came back TO get the mo-
, ncy. the printers eye rested on his feet
which were not covered with very com.
Portable pair Of shoes, and he said
(Which would you rather have. John
this half dollar or a pair ofnew shoes'
I'D rather have the new Shoes replied
John without hesitation.
VERY well: I'll write you an order on
shoemaker. and you can go and fit your
SELF and the printer turned to his desl
, and wrote the order.
As he handed to John the piece of pa
per on which the order was written. the
lad looked earnestly into his face. and
then said. with strongly marked hesita.
ton
Il think, sir, that my shoes will do very
well if mended, they only want mending
Won't YOU please write shoes for my
mother instead of me?'
The BOYS voice trembled, and his face
was suflused. lie felt that he had ven
tured too much. The printer looked a
him for a moment or two, and then said
Does your mother want shoes badly!
Ooh. YES, sir. She doesn't earn much
by washing and ironing when she can dc
it. but she sprained her wrist three weeks
: ago. and she hasn't been able to do any
thing hut work a little about the house
: SINCE
And are your wages all she has to live
upon
They are now.
You have little sister, believer
Yes. sir
Does she want shoes, also!'
.She has had nothing but old rags or
her feet for month";
'Indced!'
The printer turned to his desk. and sa
and unused for halt a minute, while Johr
stood with his heart beating SO loud tina
he could hear its pulsations.
Give me that ORDER the man at length
said to the boy. who handed him the sliI
5 Of paper. He tore ii up. and then tool
his pen and wrote new order.
Take this he said. presenting it I.
: John. Il have told the shoemaker to Civ.
5 you apair for your mother. yourself an.
/: your little sister; and here is the half dol
lar. my boy-you must have that Also
John took the order and the money
and stood for few moments looking int
the printers face, while his lips moved a
if he were trying to speak; but no SCUM
came fherefrom Then he turned ava
= and LEFT the office without uttering word
4 John is very late tonight. said the poo
r Widow Elliot. as she got up and went I
d the door to look out in the hope Of seein