Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1848-11-23
You have little sister, ! believe ?

you have little sister, believe ?
Yes, SIR
docs she want shoes, alsol'
She has had nothing but old rags on her
feet for a 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 pulsaiions. 81
Give me that order the man at length
said to the boy, who handed him the slip Of
paper. lie tore il up, aud then took his
pen and wrote new order.
Take this he said, presenting it to
John have told the shoemaker to give
you a pair for your mother, yourself and
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 into the
printers face, while his lips poved as if he
we're trying tn speak bae no sound came
therelrom. Then he turned away and left
the office without uttering word.
John is very late tonight said the poor
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 an
hour, but she didn't feel like eating any
thing until John came home. Little Netty
had fallen asleep by the fire, and was now
snugZy covered up in bed. As Mrs. Eli
OF opened the door, the cold air pressed in
upon her, bearing its heavy burden of snow.
She shiyercd like one in sudden ague lit,
and shutting the door, quickly mnrmured--
My poor boy--it is dreadful night for
him to be out and 50 thnly clad. l Won
der why he stays so late awayP
The mother had hardly uttered these
words when the door was thrown open, aud
John entered with hasty step, bearing sew
eral packages in his arms, all covered with
snow.
There's your Christmas gift, mother
said he, in delighted voice; and here is
mine, and there is Nettysp displaying at
the same time three pairs of shoes, paper
of sugar, another of tea, and another of
rice.
Mrs. Elliot looked bcwildered.
Where did all these come from, John I?
she asked, in "A trembling voice, for she was
overcome with surprise and pleasure at this
unexpected supply ofarticles so much need
ed
John gave an artless relation of what had
passed between him aud the printer for
whom he worked, aud added
| knew the number you wore, and |
thought would guess at Netty's size. If
they don't fit, the man says he will change
them; and I'll go clear back to the store to-
night 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 tho
mother.
Yes replied John; Il bought the tea
and the sugar for you. They're your Christ
mas gift from me. And the rice we'll all
have tomorrow. Won't you make us a
rice pudding for our dinner 2
You're good boy, John-a very good
boy said the mother, much affected by the
generous spirit her son had displayed. 'Yes,
you shall have rce-pudd.ng. But take of
your wet shoes, my son-they are all wet
and dry your feet by the fire.
mo, not till you put Netty's shoes on to
see if they fit her. replied John. If they
don't fit, Pm going back to the store for a
pair that will. She shall have her new shoes
for Christmas. And, mother, TRY yours on
-mayb be they won't do
To satisfy the earnest boy, Mrs. Elliot tri
ed on Nettys shoes, although the child was
sleeping
Just the thing she said.
Nov try on yours urged John.
They couldn't fit me BETTER said the
mother, as she slipped on one of the shoes
Now take off your wet ones, and dry YOU
feet before the fire, while l put the supper
on the table
John, satisfied now that all was right, die
their frugal repast. Both were too mucf
excited to have very keen appetites. A.
they were about rising from the table, aitel
finishing their meal, some one knocked a
the door. John opened it, and gentleman
came in and said, familiarity
How do you do, Mrs. Elliott
'Oh-how do you do, Mr.. Mayfeld ?
Take seat; ) and she handed her visitor
chair.
How has your wrist got, Mrs Elliot
Are you most ready to take my washing a
gain ?
Il It's better, thank you, but not well en-
ough for that and can't tell when it vii
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 2
Nothing more than little about tn
house
Then you don't earn anything at all ?
No, sir-nothing'
How do YOU manage to live, Mrs. Eli
OF 2
We have to get along the best we ca
on Johns two dollars week
Two dollars week You can't live o
two dollars IA week, Mrs. Elliot that is in
possible ....
It's all we have said the widow.
Mr. Maytield asked a good many NOR
questions, and showed "A very kind intere'
IN the poor widows affairs. When he aros
a to 90 away, he said
will send you a few things tonight 4
9 IA Christmas present This is the seaso
when friends remember each other, and t.
r kens of good will are passing in all dire'
/ tsons. think | cannot do better than |
j, spend all designed giving for this purpos
i'll making you little more comfortable
Y So when the man comes with what / sha
I, send you will know that it is for you.-
- Ill.,. n 4 :.