Herald of the times, and Rhode Islander. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1846-1849, 1848-12-07


rice.
Mrs Elliot looked bewidered.
"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 SC
much needed.
John gave an artless relation Of what
had passed between him and the printer
for whom he worked, and added
81 knew the number you wore, and
thought | would guess at Nelt's size. II
they don't fit the man says he will change
them and III 90 clear back to the store
tonight 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 the mother.
"Ycs," replied John 81 bought the
tea and the sugar for you. They're your
Christmas gift from me. And the rice
we'll all have tomorrow. Won't you
make ms rice-pud ling for our dinner %
You're IA good boy, John--a very
good boy" said the mother, much affect
ed by the generous spirit her son had dis
PLAYED Yes, you shall have rice
pudding. But take of your wet shoes,
my son--thcy are all wet = and dry your
feet by the fire."
"No, not ill you put Neuy's shoes on
to sec it they fit her." replied John. "If
they don't fit, Pm going back to the store
for pair that wili.-She shall have her
new shoes for Christmas. And, mother,
try yours on maybe they won't do"
TO satisfy the earnest hoy, Mrs Elliot
tried OH Nettys shoes, although the child
was sleeping.
Just the thing" she said
"Now try on yours" urged John.
"They couldn't fit me better, said the
mother, as she slipped OH one of the shoes
" New take of 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, whIe she got
ready their frugal repasl. Both were to
much excited to have very keen appettes.
AS they were about rising from the table,
after finishing their meal some one
knocked at the door. JOAN opened it,
and gentleman cane ~ and said iamil-
iarly-
How do you do, Mrs Elliot ?"
Oh - how do you dc, MIR. Mayfeld !
Take a seat )" and she handed her visit
cr chair
How has your wrist got, Mrs. Elliot :
Are you most ready to take my washing
again :"
" It's better, thank you but not well
enough for that and can't tell when it
VIII he, A sprain is SO long in getting
well"
" How do you get along 2" asked Mr.
MAY field. Can you do any kind ofwork ?"
Nothing more Il an little about the
house"
Then you don't earn anything at all!"
No, sir-nothlng."
How do you manage to live Mrs.
Ellioi p
I'VE have to get along the best we
can on Johns two dollars a week"
Two dollars a week You can't live
on two dollars week, Mrs Elliot, that
is impossible"
" lis all we have" said the widow.
Mr.. Mayheld asked good many more
questions, and showed a very kind inter-
est in the poor widows affairs. When
he arose to go amay, he said
a. viii send you few things tonight,
Mrs. Elliot, as a Christmas present
This is the season when friends remem-
her each other, and tokens of good will
are passing i'll all directions. think |
cannot do better than to spend all de-
signed giving for this purpose, in making
You little more comfortable. SO when
the man comes with what | shall send
YOU will know that it is for you Good
night. / will drop III to see you again
before long"
And ere Mrs. Elliot could express her
thanks, Mr. Mayfeld had retired.
No very long time passed before the
voice Of man speaking to his horse, was
heard at the door. The vehicle had
moved SO noiselessly on the snow-coyer-
ed street, that Its approach hail not been
observed. The loud stroke of a whip
handle on the door caused the eXpectant
widow and her son 10 start. John mme-
dia,eIy opened it.
q" Is this Mrs EIliot's ~ asked a car
man, who stood with his leather hat and
rough coat all covered with snow
" Yes sir" replied John.
Every well; I've got Christmas
present for her, SO hold open the door un-
I'll | bring it in"
John had been trying on his new shoes,
and had got them laced up about his an
kles just as the carriage came. So out
he bounded into the snow, leaving the
door to take care of itself, and was up
into the car in a twinkling. 1t did not
take long, with Johns active assistance,
10 transfer the contents of the car to the
widows store-room, which had been for
along time wanting in almost everything.
"Good night to you, madam, said the
carman, as he was retiring, and may to-
morrow be the merriest Christmas you
ever spent. Ut isn't every one who has a
friend like yours
'No-and may God reward him, said