Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1865-12-21
MISCELLANY.
Christmas story.--The New Carpet.

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Christmas Story.--The New Carpet.
81 can hardly spare it Jeanette, but as you
have set your heart upon it, why, Isuppose
that must"
The young wife looked with rapture on the
ten shining gold pieces. - resali ri
One hundred dollars said she to herself
how rich it makes me feel. 1t seems great
deal to pay for a carpet, but gold is worth
gold,' the old saying is, and good purchase
is worth a dozen poor ones I'll buy onc of
the finest and most beautiful Brussels"
Afternoon came; the rosy babe was laid
asleep in his cradle, and the little maid received
score of charges to linger by its side every
moment till the darling woke up. jeanette,
flushed with eager anticipation, looked her
prettiest, and throwing d mantilla over her
handsome shoulders, she was just hurrying
away, when loud ring at the door caused
very pettish /" oh DEAR 'sat the unexpected in
trusion.
"Oh, Jeahette-dear Jeanettelp and a pale
young creature sank painting upon the sofa; +;
g we are in such trouble-such serious trouble.
Do you think we could borrow a hundred dol
lars? Couldn't you get it for us, jeanette p
You know you said l might rely upon you
when trial came, and poor Charles expects
- ---------. to have his little stock of goods
attached, and he is so sickly. ~ ~
The poor young creature almost sank to the
floor. 9t4a
"Cant you obtain the money elsewhere p
Have you tried ?" rs
"Yes," answered her friend, despondingly.--
" People know that Charles is sick, and cannot
repay Immediately. Oh, it seems to me some
creditors have such stony hearts.
Her pitiful voice, and the big tears running
like rain. drops down her pallid check, almost
unnerved jeanette's selfish resolution. But
the carpet, that beautiful carpet she had pro-
missed herself SO long, and so often been disap-
pointed of its posession,-shc could not give 1t
up. She knew her husbands heart, and that
he would urge her to self-denial; no, she would
not see him--if she did, it was ell over with
the carpet. 19s1 'ea
"Well," said her friend, in a desponding
voice, rising to go, I'm sorry you can't help
me; know you would if You could, and that
is something-but go back with heavy
heart Good morning, dear Jeanette
How handsome the new carpet looked as the
sun streamed in upon it, and Jeanette felt
prond at the lavish praise Of her neighbors. 1t
was bargain, too she had saved ten dollars
in its purchase, and bought pair Of elegant
window-shades to match her carpet.
/" 1 declare said her husband, " this looks
ike comfort, but it spoils all my pleasure to
think of that poor Charley Somers; he isdead.
Jeanette gave slight scream, and the fush
faded from her face.
"Yes-for the paltry sum Of ono hundred
dollars. that rascally j attached every
thing in the little shop, and was so insulting
besides. that springing up angrily in his bed,
Charles ruptured blood-vessel, and lived
scarcely half an hour afterwards" "
aAnd Mary ~ issued from. .Jeanette's. blood
less lips n2
"sbe has a dead child, and they say her life
is despaired Of"
jeanette trembled. 4mg rsy
y q Why on earth,' continued the husband,
didn't they send to me7 l could easily have
spared the money for that purpose. If it had
stripped me of the last cent they should have
had it. Poor fellowl-poor Mary y
"And might have saved it all li' shrieSed
Jeanette, sinking upon her knees on the rieh
carpet. "Mafy did call here and with tears
begged me to aid her. and had the whole sum
in nv very hand, and coIdIy turned Der away.
Oh. nv Godi forgive nc y
In the very agony of her grief, poor Jeanette
would receive no comfort. In vain her hrs-
hand stroye to soothe her; she would not hear
a word in extenuation af her conducts
"t shall never forget poor Mary's tears, ana
her sad voice they will haunt me TO my dying
dav. Oh. take it away-that hateful carpet
have purchased il with my dearest friend
How could I be 50 cruel? ! shall never De
happy again-neTefs'
Years have passed since then and Mary ano