Burlington hawk-eye. [volume] (Burlington, Iowa) 1845-185?, 1849-01-25

take care Of itself, and was up into the car
in twinkling. 1t did not take long, with
Johns active assistance, to transfer the
contents Of the car to the widows store
room, which had been for a long time
wanting in almost every thing.
Good night to you, madam said the
carman, as he was retiring, and may to-
morrow be the merriest Christmas you
ever spent. It isn't every one who has
friend like yours
'No-and may God reward him. said
Mrs Elliot, fervently, as the man closed
the door and left her alone with her chill
dren.
And now the timely present was more
carefully examined. 1t consisted of many
articles. First, and not the least welcome,
was half barrel Of flour. Then there
was bag Of cornmeal, another Of potatoes,
with sugar, tea, rice, molasses, butter; etc.;
some warm stockings for the children, a
cheap thick shawl for herself, and pair
OF gum shoes besides good many little
things that all had been selected with strict
regard to their use. A large chicken for
Christmas dinner, and some loaves of
fresh Dutch cake for the children had not
been forgotten. Added to all this was
letter containing five dollars, in which the
generous donor said that on the next day
he would send her small stove and half
ton Of coal.
Edward Mayield slept sweetly and
soundly that night. On the next day,
which was Christmas, he got the stove for
Mrs Elliot. 1t was small, cheap, and
economical one, designed expressly for the
poor. He sent it with half ton Of coal.
Three or four days after Christmas.
Mrs Green said to Lizzy and Jane as they
sat sewing
4 declare, girls, we've entirely forgot
ten our washerwoman, poor Mrs Elliot.
1t is some weeks since she sent us word
that she sprained her wrist, and could not
do our washing until it got well. think
you had better 60 and see her this morn
ing. shouldn't wonder if she stood in
need Of something. She has two children,
and only one Of them is old enough to earn
anything--and even he can only bring
home very small sum. We have done
wrong to forget Mrs Elliot
you 60 and see her Lizzy,' said Jane.
i don't care about visiting poor people in
distress; it makes me feel bad
To relieve their wants, Jane, ought to
make you feel good said Mrs Green.
I know it ought; but had rather not
ooh yes, jane said Lizzy, you must
60 with me. | want you togo. Poor Mrs
Elliott! who knows how much she may
have suffered?'
Yes, Jane, 60 with Lizzy; l want you
to CO.
Jane did not like to refuse positively, so
she got ready and went, though with good
deal of reluctance. Like great many 9TH
ers, she bad no taste for scenes of distress.
II she could relieve want BY putting her
hand behind her, without seeing the OBJ
ject Of penury, she had no objection to do.
ing SO; but to look suffering in the face
was too revolving to her sensitive feelings.
When Lizzy and Jane entered the hum
bic home Of the widow, they found every
thing comfortable, neat and clean. A small
stove was upon the hearth, and, though
the day was very cold, diffused genial
warmth throughout the room. Mrs Eli
oft sat knitting; she appeared extremely
glad to see the girls. Lizzy inquired how
her wrist was, how she was getting along,
and if she stood in need of any thing. To
the last question she replied
'Ishould have wanted almost everything
to make me comfortable, had not Mr. May
field, one Of the gentlemen washed for
before hurt my wrist, remembered me at
Christmas. He sent me this nice little
stove and load Of coal, half barrel Of
flour, meal, potatoes, tea, sugar, and can't
now tell you what all-besides chicken
for our Christmas dinner, and five dollars
in money. I'm sure he could mt have spent
less than twenty dollars. Heaven knows
! shall never forget him! He came on
Christmas eve, and inquired so kindly how
! was getting along; and then told me that
he would send me little present, instead
otto those who didn't really need anything,
and who might well forgive him for omit
ting the usual compliments Of the season.
Soon after hs was gone man brought us
carload Of things, and on Christmas day
the stove and the coal came
Jane looked at Lizzy. upon whose face
was warm glow, and in whose eyes was
bright light.
'Forgive me, sister, for my light words
about Edward Jane said, the moment she
and Lizzy left the widows house. He
IS generous and noble-hearted. would
rather he had done this than made me
present Of the most costly remembrancer
ne could find, for it stamps his character.
L'zzy, you may well be proud Of him.
Lizzy did not trust herself to reply, for
she could think of no words adequate to
the expression Of her feelings. When Jane
told her father about the widow, Lizzy
was modestly silent on the subject--Mr
Green said
THAT was nobly done! There is the
ring Of the genuine coin! am proud Of
fim!'
Tears came into Lizzy's eyes as she
heard her father speak so warmly and APP
provingly Of her lover.
Next year. added Mr. Green, I'VE must
take lesson Of Edward, and improve our
sy stem Of holiday presents. How many