Democrat and sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1853-1866, 1855-01-04
5elrrt OUR.
are 81 From Gleason's Pictorial.
THE CHRIS MAS GIFT.
BY HoRATIo ALeER, JR.

zH BY HoRATIo ALGER, JR.
Heavily, heavily fell the snow, covering the
dark brown earth already hardened by the
FROST with a pure white covering. As the
rain falls alike upon the just and upon the un-
just, so too the snow, Gods kindred messen-
ger, knows no distinction of persons, visiting
all alike forgetting none, and passing by
none. 3p-a
In one of the principal streets of New York
stood boy of some twelve years. His cloth
ing was poor, and too scanty to afford a sufi-
cient protection against the inclemency of the
season Through the visor of his cap, which
had become detached in the middle, having
a connection only at the two extremities,
might be seen his rich brown hair. Notwith
standing the drawback of his coarse and i'll
fitting attire, it was evident that he possessed
a more than ordinary share of boyish beauty.
But Just at present his brow is overcast with
alshade of anxiety, NJ and his frame tremSles
with the cold from which he is so insufhciently
shielded. esfe
1t is handsome street, that in which he is
standing On either side he beholds the res
licences of those on whom Fortune has show
cred her favors. Bright lights CLEAN from
the parlor windows, and shouts of mirth and
laughter ring out upon the night.
All is Joy and brightness and festivity with
in those palace-homes The snow-iakes fall
idly against the window panes. They cannot
chill the hearts within nor place bar upon
their enjoyment, for this is Christmas eve,
long awaited, at length arrived Christmas eve,
around which so many youthful anticipations
cluster, has enjoyments peculiarly Its own,
over which the elements, however boisterous,
4
brings more sorrow than enjoyment, serving
only to heighten the contrast between present
poverty and discomfort and past afiuence.
But all this time we have left cur little hero
shivering in the street.
Cold and uncomfortable as he was, as well
as anxious in mind, for he had lost his way,
and knew not how to find it again, he could
not help forgetting his situation for the time
In witnessing the scene which met his eye, as
for moment he stood in front of handsome
residence on the south side OF the street The
curtains were drawn aside, so that by support
ing himself on the railing he had an unob-
structed view of the scene within.
1t was spacious parlor, furnished in style
elegant but not ostentatious. In the centre
of the apartment was Christmas tree, bril-
liant with tapers, which we're cleaning from
every branch and twig. Gifts of various kinds
were hung upon the tree, around which were
gathered a group of three children. respect
lively of eight, six and four years. The eldest
was a winsome fairy, with sparkling eyes and
dancing feet The others were bows. who
were making the most of this rare opportunity
of sitting up after nine O'Clock At little
distance stood Mr.. Dinsmoor and his wife,
gazing with unalloyed enjoyment at the hap
piness of their children.
While Lizzie was indulging in expressions
of delight at the superb wax doll which ST.
Nicholas had so generously provided, her at
tention was for moment drawn to the win
dow, through which she distinctly saw the
figure Of our hero, who, as we have said, had
in his eagerness raiaed himself upon the rail-
ing outside, in order to obtain better view.
She uttered an exclamation of surprise.
- Why, mother, there's boy looking in at
the window. Just look at him
Mrs Dinsmoor looked in the direction indi
Gated, and saw the little boy, without his per-
ceiving that attention had been drawn towards
him.
"a Some poor boy" sac remarked to her
husband, in compassionate tone, who loses
for a moment the sensation of his own dis
comfort in witnessing our happiness. See
how eagerly he looks at the tree, which nc
doubt appears like something marvellous to
him.,
Why can't you let him come in p asked
Lhzzie, eagerly He must be very cold out
there with the snow flakes falling upon him.
Perhaps he would like to see our tree near to. .
y" Very well and kindly thought of. NV lit
tie girl, said Mr.. Dinsnioor. placing his hand
for a moment upon her clustering locks -.
will follow your suggestion, but I must do i
carefully, or he may be frightened and yun :,
away before he knows what are our inten.
tions" A8& B&
So speaking, Mr. Dinsmsor moved cautious
ly to the front door and opened it suddenly
The boy, startled by the sound, turned to
wards Mr. Dinsmoor with a frightened air, a
if fearing that he would be suspected of som
improper motive.
Indeed, sir" said he, earnestly, y.
didn't mean any harm, but it looked so brigh
and cheerful inside that / couldn't help look
ing IN" IS
:, You have done nothing wrong my boy,
saio Mr. Dlnsmoor, kindly. {. But you mus
De cold here; come in. and you win have