The New era. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1865-1871, 1867-01-03
was very kind to him, and loved him as


a son.
1t was Christmas time. Mr.. Light
gave each of the children ten dollars as
a Christmas present. They were sitting
by a cheerful fire discussing the best
manner Of appropriating their money.
And kind reader, how Go you suppose
that money was expended by those tive
children, left to exercise their own judy
ment about it, without o suggestion
from any one. For candies, toys and
fireworks: No! We viii tell you, or
rather, let the children themselves tell.
Minnie" said Eddie, ~ know a
poor widow who lives on Sixth street.
She is very poor, and has small son who
sells newspapers. He has often taken
me to his home and shared his simple
meal. And VIII IN l went there his kind
mother would talk to me about God and
heaven; and said that if | would always
be good boy, and never swear, tell
stories, nor break the Sabbath, that some
day | would meet my mother in the
land of the hereafter, which is beyond
the stars, and live with God and angels,
in her presence forever. | am going to
give half of my money to this poor
woman and her little boy as q Christmas
Gift. 1t will make them so happy and
send a CLEAN Of sunshine through their
cherries home.'
"And III give half Of mine,n said
Minnie, eagerly.
When Mr.. Light came home that
evening, they told him of theirdetermi-
nation. He cordially approved it, and
said he would give five dollars to their
fund.
EARLY Christmas morning the carriage
was at the door; the children stepped
in, taking with them their money and
a basket OF nice cakes, and We're driven
off on their errand of love. Arriving
at the home of the widow, they raped
at the door and were ushered into Il
son. Eddie introduced Minnie, and
they made known the object Of their
visit, and presented the money and
basket. The widows eyes filled with
tears of gratitude, as she received from
the children their gift, kissed them and
asked blessing upon their youthful
heads. That Christmas day, passed
with the newsboy and his mother,
proved Il happy one to all. Time, OH
rosy wings flew rapidly that day, and
the time for departing came ere it SEEM
ed they had been there an hour. The
widow kissed the children again and
again, and made them promise to return
often. Little George extended his hand
and said adieu; his heart was too full,
he could say no more. The children
were soon again at their home, the
events of that day written down in their
book of remembrance as the happieSt
epoch of their young lives.
Minnie and Eddie lived in the enjoy
ment of each others society for three
years, and made many pleasant visits to
the widows home. But suddenly there
came a reverse of fortune in The bust
ness affairs of Mr.. Light. A partici-
patton in some unlucky speculation re-
duced him to poverty. He lost every
thing he possessed in the world, and
was turned from his home by memorable
creditors, to rely for shelter, for himself
and children, upon the hospitality and
generosity of friends. And under such
circumstances, every body knows friends
are 6 few and far between" Those who
had been friends (!) in the days of his
prosperity; had visited his house, and
had often been befriended by him, now
scarcely recognized him. 1t was too
much for the Kind and sensitive heart
Of Mr.. Light-he sank beneath its weight,
and died broken hearted, Il few weeks
HlleF, DleSSlIlS with HIS IA piIiuS DI0dtH,
his daughter and little Eddie, and com
mending them to the hospitality and
gurdian care OF a gentleman, who proved
a friend in sunshine and cloudy weather.
1t was long time before Minnie
became reconeled to the death of her
father. The grief of Eddie, though not
so much manifested by outward signs,
was like the pent-up iuries of a storm,
raging within his tender bosom; he
co trolled it not because he desired to
do so, but because an open expression of
it made Minnie SO much unhappier.
MIR. MARYLAND, the gentleman to
whose care TIE little orphans had been
contided, did all in his power to make
them comfortable and happy. His two
wife was Il kind woman, and although
she had two small children Of her own,
the two intrusted to her keeping were
never neglected. Eddie was now about
twelve years Of age, and made himself
quite useful in various ways. Mr.. Mark ?
land was the editor o! The Valley Star,
and he determined 10 put Eddie in the
office to learn the printing business
When he told Eddie OF his deterni-
nation, he Was perfectly delighted, for
he had entertained love for a printing
office ever since he had been a neWsloy.
y