Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1855-05-02
WHICH WAS THE HAPPIER.
BY Il. A. MOORE.


1t was Christmas Day in New York The
great, noisy city had on its holiday dress, and
its gayest smiles. All the little children who
dwelt in warm, comfortable dwellings, were
overfo wing with delight at the numerous beau
tiful things which Santa Claus had bestowed up
on them 1t was enough to cheer the heaviest
heart, to see and hear the lively creatures rejoice
over their gifts. One whose own childhood
was far back in the dim and fading past, could
almost imagine himself a happy, careless child
again. as he gazed upon the little ones around
him.
But o, it was sad thing to 90 from the warm
homes Of plenty to the frosty streets, and see
little blue-lipped and barefooted children on the
pavements, with hardly garments enough TO COW
er their shivering bodies,
A osy-cheeked girl of about ten years, came
skipping down Fourth street. She was richly
clad in bright plaid and furs. Her nimble feet
were snugly cased in boots and overshoes She
seemed to feel very happy, for she smiled as she
ran. Her face and figure were those of perfect
health, and her eyes were large and beautiful
|" Sweet little creature" thot |, " how happy you
are. wonder if you are as noble and good as
you are beautifulw
Not far behind her walked slowly a thin pale
faced boy about her age, as it seemed. He had
no overcoat, and altho' his dress was very neat
and clean, it seemed much too thin for comfort
upon so cold a day. His features wore look
of care rot pleasant to see on the face of a
child. | hardly noticed him at first and should
not at all, but for an incident am about to re-
| late.
AS my bright little lady passed the crossing
near me, miserable, half-naked girl held out
her hand, and almost touched the plaid cloak
had admired. 1t was hastily snatched away, and
its wearer, with ascowl of contempt that in one
moment destroyed every vestge of her beauty
said.
"Keep, away, you dirty, hateful thing"
ooh, please, miss, give me penny; I'm sc
hungry and cold, and they have taken away my
broom, and dare not 60 home-oh, pity me, I'm
Staruing."
SECT along, tell you, I've got no penny fol
you. Go to the poor-house you are very hun
gry."
So spoke proud and scornful spirit from the
lips Of child, and she passed hastily on hel
way.
Bnt the words of the pleader had been hearC
by more than one. The pale lad had listened
to it all, and as the selfish girl disappeared rounC
the corner, he stepped up to the little beggar anc
said
Have you got any father and mother, little
girl!"' ,latai
"No," said the child, who was trying to warn
her fingers by her breath, 81 never had any ia
ther, or mother, or home, and wish that wa
dead"
"Oh, that is not a good wish wish that yo'
may find friends to take care of you, and it ma!
be you will, by-and-by. am poor boy myself
but have had a Christmas present, and vii
give you half, and you can go to bakers AM
get something to eat, and ask them to let you ge
warm"
With this the boy drew from his pocket fou
sixpenny pieces, gave two of them to the begga
girl, and passed on.
Little readers, which do you think best honor
ed Christ's birth day--the beautiful child O
wealth, or the pale and unattractive child ofpoy
erty! Which do you think the Lord Jesu
loves best? Which do you desire to be like
Youths Companion.