The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1865-12-20
From Godey's Lady's Book.l
N E 7 tt E'S PRAYER
BY MARION HARLAND.
TcoNcLUDEp.1

a rapid, buzzlng crowd. Every step was
quick and light every face wore smile,
and the air was full of the pleasant confu-
sion of happy voices. Bless the childrenl
how they ran under his feet, and trcd up
on his toes, and kicked against his heels
and jostled him on the right and on the
leftl And not one of them was empty
handed. Parcels of all sizes, shapes, and
descriptions, filled small fingers; were
hugged by small arms; laid upon small
shoulders and slung upon small backs
Brown paper bundles; bundles tied in
Trailer white paper, which, bursting,
showed the wheel of a toy2wagon, or the
head Of a toylhorse. or the arm of doll;
funnel-shape bundles, fresh from the
hands of the confectioner; bundles, wrap
ped hastily in newspaper by an economical
Ishopkeeper, or one whose stock of wrap
ping material had proved Inadequate to
/ the rush of custom; boxes, square, oblong,
and many sided; mimic guns and drums
with igayly painted sides.upon whose head
the delighted owners could not refrain
| from beating stirring Christmas marches,
as they carried them home; here and there
huge hobby horse, with dilated eye and
streaming name: borne aloft by the stall
wart porter Of some toy warehouse; these
were buta few features in the pageant
that streamed past Mr.. DrydenAa varied
and joyous torrent of life He caught
the infection of this atmosphere of glad
ness before he had gone dozen yards
He had come forth with the intention of
purchasing something with which to make
nc oh fn Nntkr rn'c
prayer SO far as lay in his power. Ava
kened conscience and remorseful affection
for those he felt he had wronged had
driven him on to the duty of making res
titution. He soon began to understand
that there might be enjoyment, active and
new, in the task. isl.iqa Q5g 7
''How .wishsI had brought them with
mer'ahe said, ito himself, as he felt his
features relax into smile at the sight of
the general hilarity. a"It was hard to
send them to bed so early on Christmas eve.
But, what would their mother have said
if / had asked her permission to take
them out after dark?"
He stayed his rapid progress, ,as another
query presented itself. What would this
very prudent and sedate helpmeet say and
think of another bold innovation upon
established rules, to wit, this expedition
and its probable results? !. How should he
meet the stare of mingled astonishment
and rebuke that woald rest upon his
freight of 'i'useless" playthings, upon his
return home? She disapproyed of toys,
except when great moderation was dis
played in their bestowal. Nettie had but
/ I'LL f,,1 oh a
was of this treasure, her LOVING arts could
not conceal the ravages of time; said man
kin having been Aunt Mary's gift to her
niece, upon her third birthday. Ally had
never owned a hobby horse. His mother
had dread Of srough plays Our hero
was quite aware that on this occasion he
was not inclined to moderation. Hewo'd
cheerfully have bought the entire contents
of any one of the illuminated windows
whose splendors drew around them q
swarm of admiring juveniles, as hive oi
honey would tempt a swarm of hungry
bees. The difficulty was to know what
would best please the unsuspecting twain
at home.
"This sort of thing is not in my lin e
he solilloquized. II suppose there is ;
difference between girls and boys play
things. I have it! These people ough
/ to know their business! / will state my
dilemma, and take whatever they advise.
i Thus resolving he entered the iarges
and most brilliant toy emporium he had
yet seen, and making his way, with con
siderable labor, through the throng o.
eager buyers, presented himself at the
counter. Luckily, the sales-woman near
est him had just dismissed a customer
and turned to him with an engaging
jsmile. She looked tired-as we'll ssht
might, poor tthingl having been on hel
4 feet for twelve hours, and hard at worl
all the time-but it was not in kind
hearted tradeswoman's nature to be cross
4 on Christmas eve.
..What car I show you. sir?" she asked
politely.
"That is what you must tell me, madam
4 I want some toys for my little girl, aget
/ six, and my boy, who is TIVE years older
IF you can inform me what will:suit them
you will oblige me, and please them"
His fluent, pleasant speech amaze'
: himself. Certainly, the witchery of tn
festal eve was working upon him fast.
"Has your daughter tea or Dime
Z set?" inquired the shop-woman, takin
down two wooden boxes; pulling back tn
/, sliding tops, and rummaging among th
shred paper used for packing the fragil
contents. "Here is something very hand
some"
"Just the thingl" calculated the father
upon beholding the wee turreen; covere
and shallow dishes, gravy boat, ,saltcellel
caster, and dozen plates. white, with
Trim of gold; all SO graceful in design, S
dainty In material, as to elicit his unqua'
lifted admiration. Already he saw, in in
"A agination, Nettie's eyes glisten at sight
them; her deft fingers arranging them
cunning little housewife that she was.
"Then you don't care for the tea-seti
making movement to close the box.
"I-don't-know!" hesitatingly.
ID suppose she will want to spread breal
fast and supper table, as well as play dil
i ner, won't she?"
"If she has not cups and saucers a