Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1848-12-23

ner ooy' supper mad been ready for at
least an hour, but she didn't feel like eating
anything until John came home. Little
Netty had fallen asleep by the fire, and was
now snugly covered up in bed. As Mrs.
Elliot opened the door, the cold air pressed
in upon her, hearing its heavy burden of
snow. She shivered like one in a sudden
ague fit, and shutting the door, quickly
murmured- Ire
MY poor boy-it is a dreadful night for
him to be out, and SO thinly clad. 1 won-
der why he stays SO late away p
The mother had hardly uttered these
words when the door was thrown open,
and John entered with hasty step, bear
ing several packages in his arms, ali cover
ed with snow. ..a.
sIhere's your Christmas gift, mother,"
said he, in delighted voice: sand here is
mine, and there is Netty'sn displaying at
the same time three pairs of shoes, o paper
OF sugar, another of tea, and another of
rice.
Mrs. Elliot looked bewildered.
'Where did all these come from, John p
she asked, in a trembling voice, for she was
overcome with surprise and pleasure at this
unexpected supply of articles so 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 l would guess at Netty's size. If
they don't fit, the man says he will change
them; and Pll 60 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, suger and rice, You bought
with the half dollar he gave your said the
mother.
'Yes,' replied John: q bought the tea
and the sugar for you. There is you're
Christmas gift from me. And the rice
we'll all have tomorrow. Won't YOU
make us rice pudding for our dnner!'
you're good boy, John-a very good
boy,' said the mother, much affected bv the
generous spirit her son had displayed
'Yes, you shall have rice pudding. But
take off your wet shoes my son-thev are
all wet-and dry your feet by the fire.
NO, 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-may be they won't do
To satisfy the earnest bow, Mrs. Elliot
tried on Netty's shoes, although the child
was sleeping.
'Just the thing she said
sNow try on yOllrS' urped Johp
'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 your
feet before the fire, while l put the supper
on the table,
John, satisfied now that all was right,
did as his mother wished, while she got
ready their frugal repaSt. Both were too
much excited to have very keen appetites.
AS they were about rising from the table,
after finishing their meal some one knocked
at the door. John opened it and gentle
man came in and said familiarly-
'How do you do, Mrs. EIliotp
'Oh-how do you do, Mr.. Mayfeld -
Take seat,' and she handed her visiter a
chair.
'How has your wrist got Mrs. Elliot 3
Are you most ready to take my washing
again %
sIts better I thank you, but not well
enough for that, and can't tell when it
will 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 :"
Nothing more than little about the
house,
Then you don't earn anything at all .
sNo sir-nothing.'
'How do you manage to live, Mrs. Eli.
otp
'We have to get along the best way we
can on Johns two dollars a week.
'Two dollars week! You can't live on
two dollars week. Mrs. Elliot, that is
impossible.'
'It's all we have,' said the widow.
Mr.. Mayfield asked a good many more
questions, and showed very kind interest
in the poor widows affairs. When he
arose to 60 away he said
d will send you a few things tonight,
Mrs. Elliot, as Christmas present. This
is the season when friends remember each
other, and tokens of good will are passing
in all directions think l cannot do better
than to spend all designed giving for this
purpose, in making you little more COM
Portable. So when the man comes with
what shall send, you will know that it Is
for you. Good night. will drop in 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 mo.
we'd SO noiselesly in the snow covered
street, that its approach had not been OBJ
served. The loud stroke of whip handle
on the door caused the expectant widow
and her son to start. John Immediately
opened it. g--...5 .u- .E
is this Mrs. Elliot'sp asked carman
who stood with his leather hat and rough
coat all covered with snow.
Eyes sir replied John.
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