Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1856-02-13
Original Papers. ;.
Written for the Spirit Of the Age.
THE JOYFUL SURPRISE.

Dedicated 10 The Ho1ng Readers ofHe Age. :
ny AN INVALID.
CHAPTER l.
That is precious, happy houschold-that ;
of Mr.. Westheld's, IA they are assembled in
his warm, old fashioned dning-room on
Christmas eve one upon which the eye de
lights to gaze. the memory to hnger. The
vide old hearth with W. plain, substantial
and-iruns is piled up high with huge oak logs,
the sturdy denizens Of the forest from which
the roaring. blazing, cracking, leaping flames
communicate their warmth and brilliancy to
every nook and corner Of the spacious room.
The evening repast has just been finish
cd and the old oakcn table occupies its ac
customed position by tho side Of the wall;
the floor has been carefully swept and
bountiful supply Of lightwood iaggots. the |
frugal housewives substitute for candles.
has been brought in and deposited upon the
wood-cot; the doors and shutters are closed
and every thing wears the aspect of quiet
ease and social comfort.
In his accustomed seat in the corner, sits
Mr.. Westicld, on the throne from which he
has issued his evening edicts to his little
kingdom---a kingdom Of hearts-for well
nigh score Of years, intently engaged in
reading the last issue Of the Age, while a
cloud of smoke from his pipe coils gracefully
over his head. Near him is seated his good
wife in her low work-chair, earnestly plying
her needle On garment which must be fin
ished before bedtime. Promscuously scat
tered around them in heterogeneous confu
sion are their prattling offspring as lovely
group as ever gladdened parents hearts. In
the opposite corner are Lucy and Rosie, re-
spcctiycly ten and twelve, husily knitting q
pair Of wooden hose for papa, which must be
finished and hung up for the reception Of the
presents from the generous hand of good
Santa Claus, who tonight is to make his
annual visit. BY their side is Willie, the
eldest born, n bright eyed, intelligent and
manly looking lad Of fifteen years, his fathers
pride and his mothers darling, with Bubbie
and Frank. the twin brothers, hanging on
either shoulder or clambering on his knees,
to whom he is good humoredly showing the
pictures in the book which he this evening
received as a premium for his good conduct
Mt school. Out yonder in the middle Of the
floor is Lizzie. as sweet gem ever grew
in earthly soil, seated flat on the floor endea-
voring to make Fido, her pet terrier, hug
and kiss her lttl0 kitten pussie. And rolling
and tumbling at mamas feet is little chub-
by wee thing, which looks much like bun
die Of red flannel, but which is really the
baby boy, Bcunir, already uttired IN his
night gown, and taking his first lesson i'll
pedestrianism around his mothers chair.
From the adjoining kitchen may re heard
ppals Of h0istcrous laughter and sallies ot
gay conversation from the coDtented anC
cheerful servants, who are partaking Of theil
substantial supper around the hlazing hearth
while they occasionally give vent to thei
exubercnt hilarity, hy mingling their reall,
musical voices in some merry chorus as
"Christmas comes but once year.
or some Others which have been house-hol
tunes of theirs from time out Of mind. E,,
ry appearance Enthusiastically indicates COZ
tented and happy household, one which tn
pampcrrd lordling in his pril cely palac,
surrounded by the gnudy pageantry and gi
ded truppings of fashion and all the appl
auces Of wealth, may well regard with EN-
tions of envy.
Yes, tomorrow is.Christmas. and I a
glad" at last sung out little Lizzie; "Co
sin John is coming from the big town, al
is going to bring me pretty doll, almost
big little Buddy, and dressed so nice al
fine. Obi I'm 50 glad. so glad"
Aud me q knife with three blades, and
book full Of pretty pictures, chimed in Bo
bic.
Yes, and my tin gun, too shouted Fran
And then brother Will and are going
hunting. Won't we. brother WHIP
Sure we will And such fine sport we
have in keeling over the birds and old hare
And Bobhie shall be there with his knife
cut their throats.' And the little fello,
fairly jumped and leapcd for Joy.
How many times have you widened sin
we last measured, Sis? | shall knit i,
more rounds and then commence to narrC
up the toe so, il you don't mind will be
you after ALL says Rosie to Lucy.
We'll, you ought to, you are the larg
but watch CUT, responded Lucy.
Wife, asked Mr. Westfcld, have y
heard ANYTHING from Johuson's wife a
children this evening? | met him with
Jug ns came home, and as passed by tn
wretchcd howell | could hut shuddeI to thi
Of the suffering his family must endure t
severe weather.
and carry ifSn %fs s~.s hG% sna shsy NV. %G
ofpOtotoes with a litIge coaso and sugar. gar
She said they were a)ah'st destitute Of woo
and maae Pumpcy haul them n couple
loads as | knew you would not object
| am very glad you thought of it, for
much fear that this will he n sa and gluoI
Christmas to the poor woman and her lit
ones
why, Papa, will not Santa Claus 90
see and give them good things tonight, to
inquired one OF the little boys.
ALI! my son, fear not | fear evt
thing is too cherries and uninyitng in tn
desolate home for Santa Claus to stop tn
in his accustomed visit But it was not
ways thus with them. Once was the ii
when Edward johnson was one of our W,
thicSt and most promising youngmen. "
do remember when he and his Young v
took possession Of that neat white colt
where now lives John Grimes, the old tav
keepers son. But Rum Rum has wrou
oil this sad devastation and ruin. Piece
piece did his possessions find their way
old Grimes Golfers. until at last he and
grief stricken family were cruelty lri
away by the inhuman and souless mons
And l never pass by and contrast their {
diton without thinking that the profusio
comforts enjoyed by the one. is Mt the sa
fee Of the peace and happiness-aye, of
very heart-blood of another. But ha
plan Of my own to submit to you, wife
children. which ! hope will meet with J
appreciation. ! propose that we shall OBJ
two boxes, one Of which Mama and
oil with provisions, such as the nice ham
two chickens which she had cooked foi
mOrrow's dinner; with few loaves of bl
and some biscuits and cakes, with 81
supply Of butter and sugar and coffee,