Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1848-11-23
miscellaneous.
From Gohcy's Lady's Book for December.
CHRISTMAS PRESENTS.
A STORY FOR THE HOLIDAYS.
ny t. S. ARTHUR.

"DIDN'T he make you present of any
thing, Lizzyl" asked Margaret Granger of
her cousin Lizzy Green.
"No, not even of strawberry cushion"
spoke up Lizzy's sister Jane, "that he
might have bought for sxpence. l think
he's a right down mean, selfish, stingy fell
low, SO do; and if he doesn't keep Lizzy
on bread and water when he gets her, my
names not Jane Green"
" | wouldn't have him." said Margaret,
testing, yet half in earnest. Let Christ
mas go by and not make his sweetheart or
sister present of the most triilng value !!
He must have penny soul. Why, Harry
Lee sent me the Leaflets of Memory and
pair of the sweetest flowcr-vases you ever
saw, and he only comes to see me as a
friend. And Cousin William made me a
present of a splendid copy of Mrs. Halls
Sketches the most interesting book 1 ever
read Besides, received lots of things
Why, my table is full of presents"
''You have been quite Fortunate" said
Lizzy, in a quiet voice; 'much more SO
than Jane and | if to receive great many
Christmas presents is to be considered for
tunate."
But don't you think Edward might have
sent you some token of goodwill and aiiec-
ton in this holiday season, when every one
is giving or receiving presents ?" asked Mar
garet.
Nothing ofthe kind was needed, Cous-
in Maggy, as an expression of his feelings
towards me-" replied Lizzy. " lie knew
that understood their true quality, and felt
that any present would have been useless
Formally"
60 You can't say the same in regard to
Jane. He might have passed her the usual
compliment of the season."
Certainly he might" said Jane. Liz
w needn't try to excuse him after this lame
fashion. OF course, there is no cause iol
the omission but meanness-thats my opin
ion, aud speak it out boldly"
" 1t isn't right to say that, sister" remar
ked Lizzy. Edward has other reasons fo
emitting the prevalent custom at this sea
son-and good reasons, | am well assured
As to the charge ofmeanncss, | don't thnl
the fact you all9ge a sufficient ground 70
making it,"
",Weil, do them" said Cousin Marga
ret. Why, if were young man AM
engaged in marriage to Il lady, I'd sell m
shoes but what I'd give her something as
Christmas present"
"Yes-or borrow or beg the money,
chimed in Jane.
every one must do as he or she think
best" replied Lizzy. " AS for me, an
content to receive no holiday gift, being wei
satisfied that meanness on the part OF Ed
ward has nothing to do with it,"
But notwithstanding Lizzy said this, sh
could not help feeling little disapponte
more, perhaps, on account of the appear
ance of the thing than from any susplcio
that meanncss, as alleged by Jane, had an.
thing to do with the OMISSION.
- wish Edward had made Lizzy son
kind of apresent," said Mrs. Green to h'
husband day or two after the holiday ha
- passed If it had been only for the lool
of the thing. Jane has been teasing her
bout it ever since, and calls it nothing b,
meanness in Edward. And Pm afraid he is
little close"
Better that he should be SO than &c
Free" replied Mr.. Green though mu
confess that dollar or two, or even ten dc
lars, spent at Christmas in present for h
intended bride, could hardly have been S
down to the score of prodigality. 1t do
look mean, certainly"
" He is doing very we'll"
Gle gets a salary of eight hundred dc