Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1860-12-26
8sse(e<t 2}'tere6nre. 8
A CHRISTMAS STORY.
BY NELLIE NETTLE.


BY NELLIE NETTLE
1t was the afternoon of the 23d of Decem-
Der The day had been one of uncommon
severity for climate like that of Scotland
The hazy sky had discharged its burden of
feecy iiakes till the great metropolis seemed
wrapped in covering of snow white purity;
as if to usher in the anniversary ola Saviour's
Iirth. The busy crowd still thronged the
streets, carriages swept swiftly to and fro
with their living freights of wealth, pride,
and beauty. Tha shop-windows presented a
gay contrast to the wintrY aspect of all with
out-eycry age aud TASTE were arranged in
the most tempting and dazzling profession.
Welcome, merry, happy Christmas with
how many bright and pleasant recollections
and associations are thy name interwoven
In the comfortable sitting-room of spa
cious and aristocratic looking dwelling-house
in M street, was assembled around
large, blazing coal fire group of young
girls in all the bloom of youth and beauty.
Marian Gordon, the eldest, was tall and
queen like girl of seventeen. Her rich brown
hair fell in long curls around sweet and in
telligent countenance, while her bright blue
eyes beamsd with sparkling viyscity, as she
talked and laughed with her gay companions.
And her sister, the loving, gentle little Lilly
was there and the gay and sprightly Isabel
Scott, the embodiment Of fun and frolic and
lastly, Annette Murray, the least assuming
and attractive of the gay bevy; and yet
though neither exquisite beauty nor symme-
try sat upon that countenance and form.
there was an ndefnable something in it
which marked nature in every way suscep-
tibe to the purer and holier traits of woman
hood.
But it is only fair that we should give our
heroines more close introduction to the
reader. They had been schoolmates and in
innate friekds; the daughters of men of in
lauonee and weaitfs, " no iIad spared nothing
that money or paternal anxiety could procure
to fit their children for the position assigned
them IN society. They had with the excep-
ton of little Lilly, for whom a governess
would be procured at home) finished their
education at one of the first seminaries in
England. The four girls, who, five years
; before, had set out with no small reluctence,
to commence their school-lfe, away for the
first time from home with all its pleasing in
liuences and associations, were now permit
ted to finish their studies, and return to their
native city together.
1t was now the first evening after their ar
{ rival (Christmas eve.) School with all its
y past diSagreeablcs and trials were talked
: over, while many bright and fond hopes
were pctul ed for the future. The day had
y been spent insunpacking and arranging mat
: tcrs for the coming week of festivities Gifts,
> the work Of many stolen minute, interwo-
:, ven with many fears and doubts, were to be
brought to light on the morrow--the grand
u and long looked for consummation. 1t is not
therefore to betwondered at that after so
9 much expectancy. and excitement, quiet
{ t6ted tete in the dear old sitting-room in
!; the home OF Marion would be no unpleasant
. reprieve.
e i, Now, girls began the smiling Isabel, at
the same time wheeling large easy chair tc
: the cheerful fire. and placing her feet in :
~ comfortable position on the fender, now only
'e thnkisnt this delightful Here We arr
at home or Christmas eve, with no NOR,
Pl study TO rack our brains, no one to keep
u perpetual watch over US with pair Of lyny
az eyes; no history, music, French, drawing
{, or any other bugbear to harass Us, except
when We have mind to. We can dance
"a sing, laugh, or sneeze, without being lectur
ed whole hour on the improperly of it,
~ Oh dear; but it is delightful, and you don
seem to enjoy it a bit not one of you. An
there's Annette, | declare starting into th
fire and looking as solemn as a judge-as
il were the most miserable thing in her life
DO hush Isabel said Marion we don
all make such fuss when we feel happy
that is one good thing. You are the creates
in lalker ever knew; and if Miss c., III
RE old, cross thing Il shudder when | think
ry her and those horrid books were here, sh
t. would pretty soon remind you of it. wa
as just thinking, SIZE added, we ought to tr
lu. and talk a little sense for one night Come
are Annette, she said, arousing her meditativ
m cousin. What's to be the text?'
lpt Well, girls, said Annette / was thinl
ind ing of story read wien I was quite Ii
for Tie girl, about four schoolmates, who weT
ex- assembled together one Christmas Eve, jus
lus as VIC are tonight, and they amused then
Der selves by each making known their wish,
ge- for the future, with the promise that, if po;
in sible, to meet on the same day, at the san
his place, at the same hour next year, to 81
IA which had her wish most fully realized
tho Now, think it would be the most pleasal
de- way in which We could spend our evening.
lay Oh yes, do said all the girls, in breat
i it Why said Marian, would it not be be
ons ter to say, two years after tonight and tn
and will give US a longer time for the fulhllme
lng Of our desiresY
to They all agreed and Marian, being t
I of eldest began Well, then, l mean to
lose something; / will give my ideas to t
t. world my pen shall send a thrill throu
rom the heart of many weary seamstress a
bor- neglected wife, or ill-used orphan, as tn
he'd read of perseverng industry and triumpha
by virtue. Butt will not only sit and write.
ord No. mean to enjoy myself l will travel
tion over the world, and take notes ofmany LAND
are from the fair free-born child of Britain to
swarthy, fettered slave of the Antipodes,
sion cry one shall know and admire the great a
Y of talented writer, Marian Gordon. You v
bove be seeing the features of your old friend {
mont Schoolmate smiling at you from every pri
II. shop
n a And on mugs for little boys and gir
the suggested Isabel,
ltion No; not exactly that, ! hope said b