Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1859-10-19

and napkins which her mother had been
making for the mother OF Ernestine. Her
clothes were poor, and not warm enough
for the season, and she had on her head
the wreck of an old bonnet that let in the
wind at a dozen places. A few words pass
ed between her and the lady, and then she
went with quiet steps, from the room.-
The eyes of Erncstine were fixed upon this
child intently, while she remained they
followed her from the room, and rested
upon the door for some time after she had
Withdrawn. lIer mother who had become
interested 10 the work brought hor1e by
the girl, said nothing more to Ernestine
at the time, and SO her thoughts were free
to run their own way.
The, evening which closed in that day
was the evening before Christmas.
where is Erncstineg'
1t was the child's father who made in
quiry. He had returned home from his
Office a little earlier than usual, and before
the twilight had given place to darkness.
She, was here a few minutes ago. re-
piled the mother, and she lifted her voice,
and called, 'Ernestinep
DuG Inere was 10 answer.
'Ernestine Ernestiner
Still no reply came.
Il wonder where she can be-?
While the question was yet on her lips,
the street door opened, and the child came
in, with hushed and gliding footsteps
She had a small package in her hands,
which, on seeing her father and mother,
che moda on effort to oopoooI
'Ah! Here is our pet 7 said the father.
why, darling, where have you been 2
There came a warm flush into the little
ones face; and something of confusion
showed itself in her manner.
q know all about it, spoke up the moth
er, gaily.
No you don'tp And Ernestine's face
took on a serious aspect.
Yes. It's the sofa for the baby-house.'
No The flush came back to the
child's fair brow.
Almost a minute of silence passed. 1t
was "a picture for a painter, that group
The child stood half timid, half irresolute.
ly, with her eyes upon the floor, and her
hands behind her, endeavoring to concea
the package she held her parents look
ing at her in loving wonder. Slowly, a
length, a hand came forward
'What is it, darling?' the mothers voice
had in it a slight futter, for something Q
the truth was dawning in her mind.
1T isn't the sofa,' said Ernestine.
Her mothertook the package, and open
cd it. 1t contained a netted hood, coarse
but warm.
who is this for?'
4 bought it for Mary Allen
Her Christmas giftF
yes
1T was very kind, and very t~houghtfr
in you, DEAR said the mother, speakin
calmly, though with an effort. And sh
stopped down and kissed the lips of ht
child. God bless you 7 was spoken in he
heart, though the benediction came ne
forth into words.
'Who is Mary Allen?' asked the fathe
The child of a poor woman who b;
done some plain sewing for me. She nee'
a warm hood, and Ernestine's Christina
gift WILL be a timely one, | am sure
what a loving look was cast by tt
father upon this child. How his hear
SllIICu Wltulu It'll.
4 wonder if Mary Allen doesn't need
pair Of warm stockings, and stout shoes
wellF he said, looking down into the ia
, of Ernestine.
oh, yes, father know she does! t
child spoke eagerly, and with a hopeful c
preston in her eyes.
You shall add them to your gift, to-m'
row. said the father.
Il shall be happy And Ernestine clal
ed her little hands together in the fervo
CO her delight.
Gtis more blessed togive than t%orecei
ia. The mothers voice, full of meaning
nd the ears of Ernestine, trembled as she
tered these words, which were now radi
nd with light. But the child felt their me
rk. ing still deeper, as she stood at her wind
en- on the next day, which was Christmas
day Of icy coldness-and saw Mary A
90 past, wearing a comfortable hooc
place Of the old, thin bonnet, and hay
warm stockings, and new shoes upon
= feet. Ernestine received many beau
gifts on that day, and she was very har
but her Joy in giving, was deeper, PIT
and more abiding, than her JOY in RET
irg.