Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1858-12-24
\ Cale for the Season.
Iron Godey's Lady's Book
CHRISTMAS FOR RICH AND POOR.
BY ANNIE FRAUsT.

A MERRY CHR1sTMAsw It echoed
through the wide streets in a thousand
different voices: it rang out in the clear
sleigh-bells; it was shouted through the
house by childish voices; it was whisper
ed in loving tones by the invalid's couch
it was sighed forth, withbitt emphasis,
in the prison cells; it was muttered, in
hard voices, in the dark, dirty alleys,
where merrimcnt was mockery, or the
despairing mirth of over-wrought mise
ry. A merry Christmas !"
"AnnaI" said low, feeble voice,
from poor, hard pallct--"Anua!'
Yes, mother; | am here"
The child-for she had not seen more
than twelve or thirteen summers-rosc
from seat upon the floor, laid aside her
sewing, aud bent over the invalid. The
room was garrett, poorly protected from
the cold, snowy winds without \ small
FIRE hardly served to take the bittercst
chill from the air. The furniture con-
sisted Of two mattresses upon the floor,
and low wooden chest
Anna, dear child, put away your
work. 1t is Christmas Day. Where is
Charley ?"
Gone to the store. Mr.. Perkins
promised him new jacket for Christ
mas gift; and he has gone for the order. +"
AMI you, my poor child, will have
no gift"
. I am as fortunate as you" said An
ma, with assumed gayety; but, in spite
Of her efforts to restrain them, a large
tear rolled down each check
" 1t is very cold" said the invalid,
shiyeriug.
Mother! dear mother and now
the tears flowed froely-'you are sick,
shiyering with cold On Christmas Day
and | cannot warm you! Others have
fine gifts, large houses, warm fires, and
plenty to eat; while we are starving and
freezing. Its unjust 0 Heaven! hast
thou no pity for my mothcr?'
Anna, it Is just Listen, my child,
and you shall hear my story. Long
years ago, | was the pctted child Of
wealthy parents. bad brothers and
sisters, but, of all, / was the fayorite
| was beautiful and talented, and my "a
theirs idol. With every indulgence,
every care, my path through life was
strewn And how did repay it? With
bitter, gross ingratitude. | was spoit,
wilful child but my parents were blind
to all nay defects, seeing only my fair
face, and hearing only the praises Of my
yarious teachers
" Among the visitors at my fathers
house, there was Fronchman, a man
who called himself Count de Ia Posla
II was handsome and graceful loved
him Ny father. who saw his real worth
lossness, tried, by gentleuess and love,
to win me from him. This was impossi-
bic I fancied bin a prosecuted saint,
and chung to him still more closely. At
last, my father oxactcd from US promise
to separate, and hold 10 communication
with each other for year. lie hoped
chat in that time he could convince me
Of bis unworthincss. Anna, you will
despise your mother when she tells you
that in six months she broke her promise.
and clipped with Count de Ia Posta. /
trusted to my fathers great love for for
giyeuoss. | was wrong. My ingrati-
tude, disobediencee, and deceit met their
just punishment; my father refused to
see his erriug child; it was bitter dis
appointment, had so counted upon his
love; but turned to my husband for
comfort. Now came the hardest blow Of
ALL My husband coolly informed me
that he was no count, that his name was
Dugarde, aud that be had been valet to
nobIemen all his life lie had married
me in hopes of sharing my dowry, and
now quietly refused to support me. For
ten years, we lived life Of utter I'M
happiness You were born, aud Charley,
and named for my favorite brother and
sister I earned something by selling
the jewels / had brought from home, and
by assisting my husband in giving French
lessons. Had be but loved ne, | could
still have been happy; but be treated
me with GOODNESS, sometimes with cruel
ty, aud continually reproached me with
my poverty, and failure in winning par
don from my father. At last. be died
In all thosa long vaars 7 had hoard No