Baltimore daily commercial. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1865-1867, 1866-01-20
A Story for Christmas, 1865.

A radiant December MORN the refulgent sun rays
gliding the spires of the metropolis, and decking its
dull pavements with golden jewelry. The spirit of
the glorious day infused its brightness into the hearts
of the multitude. who wended their way inspired
with life by this draught of light and beauty. A
group Of loungers occupied the steps of the Gilmor
House. and Leonard Oakley, in passing recognized
his old friend Smith-the vertable John, of storied
fame. The pair shook hands cordially
Fine day" said the latter, by way of saluation.
Why, how smiling you look," he pursued, contem-
plating Oakleys cheerful physiog.
Yes" complacently responded the other THE
fact is, I'm particularly happy
THE secret?" queried Smth-but hOld!' | have
it! You have made fortunate spec, in OIL
Nothing of the kind don't dip in the article"
Then you've contract-Government, perhaps
"Pshaw don't you know the days for those things
have gone by"
True
NO. you haven't guessed but for all that, I'm
happy. Now for the reason. It's holiday times and
I'm going to play Sir Bountful
''Oh, is that all?' exclaims Smith. with a moody
sigh.
AMP" It's quite enough think but say, what's
the matter with you, Considerably downcast, now
take good scrutiny"
Simply" retorts the ubiquitous Smith, I'm
miserable"
And what is the trouble?" interrogates his friend
"0h, the old story
Domestic trials"
Yes, you have hit it, Wife sorry she ever mar
ried! More trouble and more to do than any other
woman in the world! Family cares family sewing
family needs, from morning until nightv'
Il sympathize with YOU
Sympathize! ah but you can't guess the half of
it, When married believed firmly and fully that
l should always be of sufficient consequence in my
house to have my wife devote at least ten
minutes in the day to my society; but now! well.
,,,lu Il.
that meets my grievances is, that she hasn't time.
Oakley bent his brows in earnest thought, while
Smith relapsed into gloomy silence
Suddenly ray of light irradiated his companions
countcnance. "Eureka!' he burst out, joyfully
Smith my dear boy, relief for all your diff
cultes. You want and must have a reversible feed
in your family"
"A ,rhot4' gasped Smith, in utter amazement.
"A reversible feed. Once in possession, farewell to
all your trials and dscomfors. This moves the work
right or left as you please keeps it out of your way
at will, and is easily managed you cannot fail to
comprehend it. l have lived through all the woes
you have depicted, and might still be suffering but
for this marvellous invention"
Explain yourself" persists the mystifed Smith
1T has attachments self-dCjusting shuhle-
that prevents all tiresome Snarling and swapping,
and insures a steady smooth movement you will not
fail to appreciate
But what in the world do you mean" calculates
his thoroughly bewdered companion.
"a veritable little beauty-She is called Florence
the Florence"
Are you insane?" mutters j. S. DO you forget
my wife is slightly inclined to jealousy? Why, man
alive you are patching up arrangement to make
my home positive Tophetl"
Oakley, absorbed in his mental contempations.
scarcely hears his friends remonstrance, but Seizug
him by the coat sleeve, exclaims, Come along can
soon show you how it works, | am convinced my ad-
vice will prove blessing to you
"A curse, rather, groans the unhappy John. But
whittier you leading me?"
Only few doors from here-155 Baltimore street."
Like lamb being led to the sacriical altar, Smith
gives himself up to his companions guidance
Perfection ITSELF pursues his relentless captor.
ornamental, graceful and yet so simple and COM
Smith enters the mystic presence like one Supplied
There" said his tempter with genial glance of
Where ?' murmured the victim of this Mephis-
tOpheles.
"Why-why-why' hy'-responded Smith. stammerng
fearfully. and looking wonderfully confused-"Why.
that's Sewing Machine!"
Certainly it s-the Florence"
Why Why, didn't i;1lt. yEH I,. tell me?'
After little reflection Smith concluded he had
better coincide and keep his misunderstanding Sc
eret The remembrance of it rendered him quite faint
but in time he recovered the truth of his friends
argument, and profit by it. He fell in love with the
simple yet elegant mechanism of the Florence" its
facilities to stitch hem, guage, tuck and fell and be-
fore he left the establishment dispatched of the
better half.
He parted from Oakley full of hope
When next they met his first greeting Il owe
you a thousand thanks! Yonder," pointing in the
direction of his earthly abiding place. all is peace
and harmony The Florence is priceless gem.
If had my way, every Benedict in the Monumental
household. l am so happy and delighted with the
state of things at home that feel as if / could
afford to talk OF nothing else from until Christ
mas except the merits of the Florence Sewing
Machine. ja20-eotf