Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1851-01-30

little group patient and resigned under their
trials; but soon the good mother, worn out by
exertions beyond her strength, breathed her
last in the arms of her little daughter, exhort-
ing her with her latest breath to be-what she
ever had been-a dutifll and tender child TO
tend and care for him save her.
1t was Christmas-eve. The mountaineers
sought 10 forget the inclemency of the season,
in the cheerful recreations which made their
hearths resound with merriment. ltwas their
custom on this evening to illuminate their
houses and the streets were early filled with
idlers, attracted by the brilliancy of the scene.
Veronica had continued to work hard at her
lace pillow, until darkness had closed in, nor
would she then have ceased her labors, had
not her cruise of oil failed her and her lamp
expired in its socket.
| Then only, and much against her will, did
she begin TO keep the holiday which was so
paily celebrated around her. She fed the
stove with fresh fuel, placed her blind father
| in his easy-chair, and then dressing her little
brother as warmly as she could said to the
child, Come, Georgey, we will 60 on, and see
whether the good Jesus has not something TO
give US, too, that we may keep the feast to
morrow, like every body else
The two children accordingly Sc, forth hand
in hand Sights and sounds Of rejoicing met
them at every step. Miners in holiday attire,
wandered through the streets in merry groups,
and paused beneath the windows of the richer
citizens to sing their Christmas carols. The
door of the house thus serenaded never failed
TO open when the singers paused, and the lead
er of the party always received from the gen
erous host few pieces of glittering coin in
exchange for his song and his good wishes.
The children, following the example of their
elders, ioined themselves in little bands, and
went singing from door to door. whilst many
a Christmas-box was ungrudgingly bestowed
on the young magicians.
As Veronica gazed on the merry scene,
sudden thought flashed across her mind. Why
should not she, too sing, and perhaps obtain a
liule money 10 buy few Christmas comforts
for her father, He sat at home so desolate,
and dry crust was their only provision for the
morrow
Brought up TO retirement, and having sell
dom time to mingle in the pastires of the
children of the place, Veronica at first shrank
from the thought of doing any thing 10 attract
attention but the recollection of her blind IA
ther, nerved her to the task, and drawing her
veil yet closer round her, she FASTENED towards
the quarter of the town where she was least
known. Holding her little brother by the
hand, she paused beneath the windows of
small neai-looking house, and with beating
heart, but pure, fresh voice, began the fol-
lowing couplet-
"Cheer up, cheer up, yc miners brave
And though your lot be one Of toll
Still let your hearts with joy bear up!
Beneath the might right hand wields
he earth her choices, treasure yields.
Cheer up, brave hearts-cheer up :"
The words were simple and unartistic, and
poor Veronica's voice at first trembled so
much that she could hardly articulate them;
but her courage rose as she proceeded, and she
sang the chorus with an energy and expression
beyond her years.
| She paused deep silence ensued, and two
long minutes elapsed-miautes which seemed
TO her an age Confused and humiliated al the
thought of her unsuccessful attempt, she was
/ oh, hon fhe and
woman placed in her trembling hand piece
of cake and three kreutzers.
Neronica's heart overfowed with JOY. 'Oh,
look, Georgeyr she exclaimed. Has not my
first attempt been a successful one, You
shall have the kreutzers for your share, but the
cake will keep for poor papa, that he may
know il is Christmas. Who knows but the
good God may send US another piece Z
Cheered by this encouragement, the little
songstress went on her way, and many heart
was opened to her, and many kreutzer and
| Christmas-cake found their way into the pock-
cts of her little brother. But there is no rose
here below without thorn From one wi n
dow harsh voice cried aout, Go on, and do
not disturb US, you impertinent little wretch !
Veronica, with a glowing cheek and fearful
eye, went her way, and thought she would
sing no more. But as she passed before the
house of the superintendent of the mines, the
wealihiest man in Subery, she said, i will
try my chance yet this once This time she
did her very best her voice rose clear and
sweet in the still frosty air of evening-it
might almost have been deemed an ANGEL S
song.
Soon window on the first story opened /;
she held out her hand for the expected boon
k:eutzer was dropped into it, but as ii
touched her, she uttered piercing cry, and
let it fall upon the ground. The kreutzer had
been heated red-hot, and the author of this
gratuitous cruelty, emily met her cry Of anguish
by an insulting laugh.
Veronica, weeping bitterly, turned TO rejoir
her brother, who fingered little way behind
her, whilst eating one of his Christmas cakes
He asked her why she cried, but she would
not sow the seeds of bitterness in his infant
heart by telling him that mau-man created ii
the image of God had dared to infct so grie v.
Gus wrong on one of the little ones whom
-'he Saviour came on this night to bless and tt
: save.
With heavy heart she returned home ant
heavily will the tears which Veronica wep