American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1865-12-23

for the delay. Let US not be impatiel
to accomplish a sentence which infni
justice sees right to defer. Let us thin
more Of restraining our own vindictiv
tempers. than of precipitating their de
struct;on."
A visiter being announced, Mrs. Ira
vers left the room, and the sisters an
brother after some surmises concernin
r the "Christmas eve surprise" went abou
their usual avocalions.
Time sped on. Magaret. Philip an
Kate, as well as mama and papa" wer
occupied in making secret preparation
for the "bappiest day of all the year." Il
this happy family. No one was forgot
ten. The poor and sick were Away
especially remembered. Philip, a very
enthusiastic young rebel. used often to
become eloquent in repeating to his sis
ters scraps of English and even Latin
verses,i in honor of those who had fought,
bled and died" in their country's service,
and would 20 into heroics over ever SOL
der he saw; and now that peace had
come before be had an opportunity Of
fighting himself, (as hesaid) the really
brave and generous boy, determined
TO appropriate all his savings in the
purchase of some articles Of win
ter clothing for a deserving young man
whom the family had long known, and
who had lost an arm during the latter
part of the war.
Philip had evinced considerable talent
for drawing, and he had been for some
time saving his money TO purchase a Sc
ries of fine engraviugs which he greatly
admired. But this cherished scheme
was cbeerfulIy given up, that he might do
something to make poor Jim Harper
comfortable. The boy was a hero al.
ready. although he did not know it; for
it cost him no little struggle to give up
the precious engravings.
Christmas eve at last came. .Tod-ay
we shall know "your secret" mamma"
said Kate.
Eyes, you shall soon be told and ]
hope will derive all The qualification ]
anticipate for you"
"What can it be ?"
"Wait awhile, and you will learn"
Now come with me, girls" and
so saying. Mrs. Travers led them
into a delightful chamber, where every
thing seemed to have been prepared for
the reception Of a f%avorite guest. l have
a few improvements 10 make in this apart.
ment ard you must assist me. Kate, 60
to Wilson and tell him to send me as
many heliotropes, %mignonettes and roses
as he can afford from the green house,
with some geraniums, and you must gath
err some ~violets from the garden.
"Oh! who is coming ?"
Guess"
Il cannot tell. Maggie help me to guess"
run girls and bring the flowers first,
said their mother.
Whilst they obeyed. Mrs. Travers
placed over the mantelpiece a finely
executed likeness Of a young man whose
practical and intellectual face was worthy
the study Of an artist. Around the
plain but rich oval frame, she wreath
ed a garland Of gray moss ntermixed
with holly berries. and whispered as she
did So
He lives immortal and for him
We need not shed q tear
He wears a golden diadem
In a celestial sphere"
The girls now returned. That mo-
ment they saw the picture, which always
hung in their mothers room, they guess
ed the secret. "Oh | know now, Mrs.
Dunbar is coming |! is she not mamma ?
How happy am. Don't you remember
Kate her beautiful house in c.,
and her plants and birds and the pictures
hat Philip went into raptures over ?"
Eyes, but above all | remember how
Mr.. George, as We called him.
upon the organ in the music room;
but be is dead now Mamma, how can
his mother do without him /? She SEEM
almost to worship him. and be was so
polite and sffectionate to her. When
ever | looked at him l used 10 think
about the Cbevslier Bayard. l think
mamma that Mr.. Dunbar must haye haen