The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1872-01-09


body cares for me-"
Mr.. Vanstone was waiting for her in
pleased expectancy. He had wreathed the
mirrors and the picture she had admired
the fair woman he thought she resembled
with rich branches of holly, cleaning
with waxen scarlet berries Amber found
him in his library, hanging Christmas
wreaths in the windows.
"Peace on earth, goodwill to mem
she said, fervently, as she looked in pleased
surprise around the tastefully decorated
room fragrant with dollhouse flowers.
"Amen and may you, child, have the
merriest Christmas the sun ever shono upon.
What would people say to see cross old
Morris Vanstone at this child's play? But
| thought it might please You, my dear, to
see me growing human. All, little girl,
you are robbing the lion of his name. Just
see my heliotlopes and tea-roses. Those
three little nosegays are for you, and your
mother and little sister. had Sam cut
the flowers and arranged them myself
Decently well done for such an old novice,
isn't it?"
"They are lovely-perfectly exquisite
too beautiful for me" murmured the girl,
delightedly, inhaling their soft spiritual
perfume,
"Not at all nothing is too pretty for
youth and innocence. But let us 90 about
our reading. We will let the greenery hang
until after New Years day. Ihave little
plan in my head which l will tell you by
and-by. Now / want to hear that poetry
that says:
go Rouse to some high and holy work of love,
And thou an angels happiness shalt know"
You can't think how that haunts me. Ah,
Amber, begin to think that is the only
happiness worth living for after all.''
The hours flew on charmed wings. Just
as Amber was putting away the books and
papers, as it was her custom to do, Mrs.
Howell the housekeeper put her head in at
the door, but seeing Miss Gray, made
some slight apology, and was about to
withdraw.
"What is it, Mrs, Howell? Come in I;
you will not disturb u.s. Mr.. Vanstone
said, good
"1t's only whim of mine, SIR" said the
pleasant-faced woman, smoothing down
her black silk apron we've fruit cake
and some mulled wine down stairs, sir, and
as it is Christmas eve, thought you and
the young lady might come down. Mr..
Max has taste for sweets I'm hoping he
will drop in by -and-by."
Mr.. Vanstone who really looked very
tired, begged his good housekeeper to ex-
cuse him.
"Miss Gray shall come down and taste
that famous cake. / have word to say to
her, and then I'll ring for you to come and
take her down stairs" he said, and Mrs.
Howell bowed herself out.
Mr.. Vanstone lifted a neatly tied pack
age from under the sofa, where he had hid
den it, and put it in Amber's hands.
"There child is some finery for you.
You know l poked the embers out on your
dress the other day, and burned it sadly; SO
it was only fair that should buy new one.
True, did not select it, but my stepson
did, and he has excellent taste. He has
been out of town for some days, but re-
turned this morning. have told him
about you. wish he would happen in, 70
you could get acquainted. hope you will
like your dress, and accept it from man
old enough to be your grandfather, and who
sincerely wishes that he had such a claim
upon you"
Amber opened the bundle and found an
elegant garnet poplin Of costly texture,
and a generous allowance of rich black
Malta lace for trimming. Her face glowed
with pleasure
" You are too kind, too indulgent you
will spoil me, she said smiling.
think not. Now, child, have favor
to ask. You know | told you had a little
plan in process. The New Year is at hand
the blessed New Year, and / am going tc
commence a new life. am seventy years
old, but it is never too late to mend. Those
who know Morris Vanstone shall know
him an idler in the vineyard no longer
God helping me will live the true life yet
and if those ] have wronged still live,
will find them and do them justice. All
child, have story to tell you sometime
But am wandering from what began Il
say. want You, and your mother, and tina
little girl who wants TO see my canaries, /,
come and pass New Years eve, with me
/ can't ask you to leave your family Oh