Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1870-12-23
A Christmas Story
ANNIE SHELDON'S PRESENT.
BY MAUD CARROLL.

BY MAUD CARROLL.
It was Christmas eve, and along the
crowded thoroughfares of the great city An
ME Sheldon was vending her way to her
cheorless boarding house, for no mothers
kiss or fathers greeting would be her welcome
home.
Annie was an orphan. Three years she
had toilcd alone in the world.
Through the influence of former friend
of her fathers she had obtained situation
in store, but at salary so small that she
found it difficult to meet the expense Of very
moderate living.
Upon reaching home she went Immediately
to her room and sat down to think; her word
ly wealth amounted to just seven dolars-not
enough to settle her Indebtedness.
eyes," she said to herself, ri have now
learned tho difference between assets and lia-
bilities, as the merchants say. 0, if had
some of the money that will be wusted during
tho holidays, could obtain few comforts,
for luxurics and parted company years
ago"
A knock at the door aroused her from her
rcvcrie. She arose and opened the door, and
the servant handed her card, and announced
ga gentleman to see Miss Sheldon"
"Say to the gentleman will sec him in u
few moments"
Closing the door, she glanced for the fist
time at the card, and saw the namo of Ed
ward B. Clayton, attorney-at-law. The name
was not familiar to her.
cit must be some mistake" sho said
"However, it is such rare thing for gen.
tleman to call upon Miss Sheldon, 1 will call
him Kriss Kringle, as the children do, and
60 down as usual, to mcct disappointment"
Entering the parlor, young man arose to
meet her.
"Miss Sheldon, believer"
"It is, and you are Mr.. Clayton 2" Annie
replied, still holding his card in her hand.
~ am the bearer of pleasant news, Miss
Sheldon. I have been seeking you for nearly
six months, and until yesterday could find no
trace OF you. had heard of your fathers
death, while in Europe with my father, Judge
fdther speak of him, as they we're warm, per.
sonal friends. Previous to my fathers dc.
parture for Europe, your father placed some
business papers, secured in bonds, in my
fathers care for your benefit. My father
died in Europe, and his last requests we're,
that should find you, aud deliver these pa.
pers to you. Their value now, with interest
is twenty thousand dollars, and it gives me
great pleasure to restore them to you, you,
rights, and to fulfill my fathers request"
Annie had listened with amazcment. II
seemed dream, or, indeed, tale Of fairy
land, and it was not until he placed in her
hand a package Of papers that she spoke tc
thank him.
"f cannot express to you my heartfelt graf
itudo for. your kindness, Mr.. Clayton.
thank you most sincerely, and shall ever re-
we're your fathers memory as that of my
fathers trucst friend. [ hope you will allow
me to repay you for your trouble, and any
pccuniary outlay"
"Thank you; your acquaintance, Miss
Sheldon, would amply repay me, as have
no relatives, and as have been so long alb
sel find few friends. Should you wish
any legal advice or assistance I am at you,
service. Have your permission to call up
on your"
81 shall be glad to retain you as counsel
lor and friend, and shall bo glad to SEQ yos
whenever it is convenient to GALL"
''Thanks, Miss Sheldon I will now do
tain you no longer. Allow me TO wish thai
yon may have merry Christmas, and, good
night"
Six months later, Annie is much changed
in appearance. No longer oareworn; tn,
roaes have como back to her checks. She il
not vain that she has wealth her struggle
with tho world has learned her many lesson
Of life, and she has learned the true and false
and she values not gold for its glitter, O
friends for their high position. Edward