The Jeffersonian Democrat. [volume] (Chardon, Ohio) 1854-1865, 1865-01-20
The Better Gift-A Story for New
Years.

children. big and litt!e, as he put on his
Goa, TO go out, the evening before New
Years'.
We'll, what is il | am o RENE m Der and
by no means TO forgei?' he inquired. turn.
ing towards the noisy group, aud affecting
profound ignoronce OF the cause OF the
clamorous appeals.
Why, that to. morrow is New Year, and il
the things ain'i all bought meaa il you
expect TO get us any presents, and have
moi got them yet: Why
There's time eoough still, is there?
Well. my purse isn't very deep this year.
Some little folks winter cloths have made
quite hole in it. but l'll see wha, can
do. There-let 90. BE asleep when
come back, like good children
The little ones were not asleep when
be re iurned, although they consented to
be put 10 bed, which they considered
obeying the spirit of bis irjuncion. Mr..
Bancroft undid The papers, and displayed
10 his vile the gifts be had purchased
picture books, toys, candies-candies,
Toys, picture. books-theie seemed no in.
dications OF a short purse here. What
parent has not stood bewildered on New
Years Eve, before The gitteripg shelves
of toy shop, unable TO make a choice,
and finally carrying away three times as
much as was the original intention?
When Mrs. Bancroft went up stairs that
night, mysterious looking parcel lay on
the hall table, to which ste wisely paid
no attention. But next day, after the
children had exhausted all their expetives
OF delight over their gifts, Mr.. Bancroft,
went into the ball, and returned with an
elegant fur cape, which be carefully ad-
jus'ed upon his wiie's shoulders.
Nov, Charles. what made you? This
is too expensive" was her FIRST surprised
exclamation.
We'll, III tell you, Mary. You are
pretty tall, and one OF those yictorines
wouldn't look well on you would look
s,iugy in fact. Barton spoke OF i, FIRST
He look The mate 10 this for bis wife. II
was only fifty dollars
Tears OF affection gushed 10 the wife's
eyes at this rather bungliDg attempt Cd
Der husbands part, 10 disguise, under
considerations OF feet and inches, the fact
that he would not have his wife 10 wear q
cape inferior to Mrs. Barton's. .. ..r
She thanked him, and praised the cape
wi ,h all the enthusiasm he could desire;
yet, as she continued TO stand. smoothing
down the glossy sable with her hands, il
was evident some unspoken thought was
on ber mind.
Its just what nee ded these cod days.
she said at last; but I was rather hoping
you wouldn't get me nytbing this year.
in the way oi dress. didn't mean to ask
you, because there is something want
very much more. which l lear you will
no, ieeI willing 10 grant,
Something you wanted more than the
furs?' inquired the husband, in disap-
pointed tone. ....
Something very different indeed. she
answered, smiling in her sober face.
Tell me what it is. then. Is it any.
thing very expensive?'
Oh, no! Aud, besides, L do not wish it
ell at once but will take it in installments.
oh, yon want to subscribe 10 some.
thing. I've guessed it,
No
Life insurapce?'
No, no!' with hearty laugh. you
will never guess it; but if you will stay
a, home with me this evening. 1 will tell
you all about it. Not before, positively
'Well,ril be on hand. Do you went a
term at M. Papifloe s Academy
How absurd! Go about your business
now, for the gentlemen will commence
calling soon.' and laughing she drove her
husband down the steps.
Mr.. Bancroft kept bis promise that
evening, and the children had no words
10 express their delight at the unusual
spectacle OF their father sitting opposite
their mother at the little table before the
fire, with the bright lamp before them
mammals fingers flying at their sewing,
and papa's iool on the cradle! How glad
they were. How proudly Charley ex.
hibited bis copy-book, and rehearsed the
pieces he was TO speak next FriGay in
school: how obliging!y Julia played piece
after piece, even the hackneyed Sleigh
ride Gallop, which she had fracieed til
she couldn't bear the sight of it, and how
surprised her father was. that she had
become SO proficient. Il was happy
! New Year indeed
Several times during the evening, Mr.
Bancroft reminded his vile Of her promis,
to disclose the object of her aspirations
but she had put him of with wait unit
the children have gone 10 bed As sooI
as they were gone, he renewed the in
quiry.