Herald of the times, and Rhode Islander. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1846-1849, 1848-12-07
5 Whole No. 963.
This suggestion, however, did not satisfy


will do real good. The time will come when
can explain the whole matter if necessary,
and do away with any little false impression
that may have been formed"
\ TO the conclusion at which Edward arrived,
nc remained firm. No present Of any kind was
made to his betrothed or her sister, and the
reader has seen III what light the omission Was
viewed.
! Christmas eve proved to be one Of unusual
lnclcmency. The snow had been falling all
day, driven into every nook and corner, cleft
and Granny, by piercing noribeasier; and
now, although the wind had ceased 10 roar
among the chimneys and TO whirl the snow
wllh binding violence into the face Of any one
who ventuod abroad, the broad flakes were
falling slowly but more heavily than since
morning, though the ground was covered al
ready 10 the depth Of many inches. il was a
night TO make the poor feel sober as they gath
cred more closely aronnd 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, small boy, who
had been at work in pr,ning-oflice ali
day, stood near the desk Of his employer,
waiting TO receive his weeks wages and
go home TO his mother, a poor widow,
whose slender income scarcely suficed
10 give food to her little household
You needn't come tomorrow, JohH,"
said the printer, as he handed the lad the
two dollars that we're due him for the
weeks work tomorrow IL Christmas"
The boy took she money, and after
lingering "A moment, tnfned away and
walked towards the door. lie evidently
expected something, and seemed di sap
pointed. The printer noticed this, and
at once comprehended its meaning.
John" he said kindly.
The boy stopped aud turned around:
as he did so. the printer took up half a
dollar from the desk, and holding it be-
tween his hngers, said:
" You've been a very good boy. John,
and l think you deserve Christmas
gift Here's half dollar for YOU"
Johns couhtenance was Ii, up in an
instant As he came back to get the
money, the printers eyes rested upon his
feet, which were not covered with a very
comfortable pair of shoes, and he said -
Which would you rather have john,
this half dollar or pair of new shoesp
I'D rather have the new Shoes" re-
piled John, without hesitation
Very we'll; III write you an order
on shoemaker, and you can go aud fl
yourself" )" and the printer turned 10 his
desk 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 s,rongly-marked hesita-
tom
think, sir, that my shoes will do
very well if mended; they only want
Won't you please write shoes
Tor my mother instead Of me -
The boys voice trembled, and his face
was suilused Ie felt tha, he had VEN
tured too much. The printer looked at
him minute or two and then said -
Does your mother want shoes badly 7"
"Oh, yes, sir. She doesn't earn much
by washing and ironing when she can do
1t, but she spraIned her wrist three weeks
ago, and hasn't been able to do anything
but work little about the house SINCE"
" And are your wages all she has 10
live spon p
"They are now"
You have little sister, l believe! ~
eyes sir"
Does she want shoes, also =
She has had nothing but old rags on
her feet for month"
Indeed ~
The printer turned TO his desk, and
sat and unused for half minute while
John stood with his heart beating 50 loud
that he could hear lis pulsations.
Give me that Order" the man at
length said TO the boy, who handed him
he slip of paper. lie tore it up, and
hen took his pen and wrote new order.
Take this" he said. presenting il to-
John. 81 have told the shoemaker to
give you pair for your mother, yourself
ind youf little sister; and here is the
half dollar, my boy-you must have that
also"
John took the order and the money.
md stood for few moments looking in
% the printers face, while his lips moved
as il he were trying TO speak; but no
sound came therefrom Then he turned
away and left the office without ut,ering
, word.
John is very late tonight" said the
,oor Widow Elliot. as she got up and
went 10 the door to look out in tho hope
IF seeing her boy. Supper had been
-eady for al least an hour, but she didnt
EEL like eating anything until John came
nome Little Nelly had fallen asleep by
he fire, aud was now snugly covered up
u bed. As Mrs Ellio, opened the, door.
he cold air pressed in upon her, bearing
Is heavy burden Of snow. She shivered
Ike one in n sudden ague ft and shut
ing the door quickly murmured-
My poor boy-it is dreadful night
or him to be cut, and so thinly clad
wonder why he stays 50 late away"
The mother had hardly uttered these
words when tho door vas thrown open,
nd John entered with h'sty step, bear
ng several packages in LIs arms all Gov
red with snow.
There's your Christmas gifi mother"
aid he. IN delighted soic. md here
8 mine, aud there's Net'ys" Displaying