The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1859-01-06
THE CHRISTMAS GIFT.
BY HoRATI0 ALGER, JR.

HEAVILY, heavily fell the snow, cover
ing the dark brown earth already hard
ened BY the frost, with pure white GOV.
eriug. As the rain falls alike upon the
just and upon the unjust. so to too the
snow. Gods kindred tnesssenge-, knows
no distinction of persons, visiting all a.
like, forgetting none, aud passing by
none.
In one Of the principal streets of New
York stood aboy Of some twelve years.
His clothing was poor, aEd too scsnty to
afford sufficient protection against the
inclemeDcy of the season. Through the
visor of bis cap, which had become de-
tached in the middle, having a connec-
ton only at two extremities, might be
seen bis rich brogB hair Notwithstand-
ing the drawback of his coarse and ILL.,
fitting attire, it was evident that he pos
sessed a more than ordinary share Of
boyish beauty. But just at present bis
brow is overcast with shade of anxiety
and bis frame trembles with the cold
from which he is SO insuffcieptly shield
ed.
1t is handsome street, that in which
be is standing. On either side be be.
holds the residences of those Oh whom
Fortune has showered her fsvors. Bris BIT
lights gleam from the parlor windows,
aud ehouts of Dirth and laughter ring
out upon the night.
All is joy and brightness and festiyity
within those palace homes. The show
fakes fell 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 euioymeuts peculiarly its own
over which the elements, however bolster
Gus, have DO control. Yet to some,
Christmas eve brings more sorrow than
enjoyment, serving only to heighten the
contrast between present poverty and dis
comfort aud past afluence.
But ali this tiue we have left our lit
tie hero gLiseri8S in the street.
Cold and uncomfortable as he was, as
we'll as anxious in mind, for be had lost
his way, and knew not how to fud it a
gain, be could not help forgetting his sit
uation for the tire in witnessing the
scene which met his eye, as for a moment
be stood in front OF handsome resi-
dence on the south side of the street,
The curtains were drawn aside, 50 that
by supporting himself on the railing be
had uu uro b.frncfad ciou IF fha scape
within.
1t was a spacious parlor, furnished in
a style elegant but not ostentstious To
the centre Of the apartment was Christ
mas tree, brilliant with tapers, which
we're cleaning from every branch and
twig. Gifts Of various kinds were hung
upon the tree, around which were gath.
cred group of three children, respect.
lively of eight, six and four years. The
eldest was winsome fairy, with spark
ling eyes and dancing feet The others
were boys, who were making the most of
this rare opportunity of sitting up after
9 O'Clock. At little distance stood Mr..
Dinsm oor and bis wife, gazing with un-
alloyed enjoyment at the happiness of
their children.
While Lizzie was indulging in express
sions of delight at the superb wax doll
which st. Nicholas had SO generously
provided, her attention was for moment
drawn to the window, through which she
distinctly saw the figure of our hero, who
as we have said, had in his eagerness