The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1872-12-25

the spirit OF distrust and murmuring could
scarcely be fepressed. IN - = (
Seeing the effects Of his temarks on de
feelings Of his Grandma, Edgar remained
silent, thinking over every word that he
had said, and wondering what 1t was
that could affect her so. He did not in
tend 10 give her pain, and It brought the
tears 70 bis own eyes TO see her In 80
much distress,
After while she wiped away her
tears and resumed her sewing. Not car.
Ing 10 Inform the boy at that time that
the good st. Nicholas Is only q mythical
character, representing the spirit of be.
nevolence actuating generous hearts, she
resumed the conversation by saying:
Perhaps, Edgar, as this Is q retired
place, St. Nicholas don't know where 10
lind u.s." n
After o few moments thought he looked
up. Some grand, bold idea had occurred
to him. The shadows had all departed,
and with eyes dancing with Joy, he ex-
claimed with as much triumph as did
ArchimedeS when he solved his problem,
II have found It now, Grandma."
Found what, Edgar 7" forgetting her
SORROW In contemplating the wonderful
change that had come over the boy.
please don't ask me now, Grandma, l
want to give you q pleasant surprise"
Though curious to know how her
helpless little cripple proposed 10 give her
q pleasant surprise" still she did not IN.
slst on him devulging his secret.
Gathering up his crutches, he hobbled
into the adjoining room, and Just as his
Grandma began to get uneasy at his long
absence, he returned.
" am afraid, Edgar, you will take cold
staying so long in that room without
fire."
~ am not very cold, Grandma; but l
hope VIC will not always be so poor that
we can afford fire only in one room, and
that not enough to keep US warm"
u would like to think 80, too, child, but
| can see nothing on which to base such
hope"
Two hours later the news boy called;
and while his Grandma's back was
turned Edgar handed him letter, whis.
pering as he did SO, Don't let Grandma
see 1t"
The following day, when Squire Mich.
OILS called at the office, the postmaster
handed him Edgar's letter, remarking as
he did 30, 1t must be intended for you,
Squire, the writer by mistake placing a
"t' after your initial 49," and spelling
your christian name with redundant
"a" The Squire smiled as he read the
inscription, "Hon. Mr.. st. Nicholas, Esq"
From the strange and improper conjunc-
ton of titles, he concluded the letter was
intended for him. Removing the envel-
ope, he read, "In the little house near the
woods, on the corner Of the 'Waltham
FARM December 20, 1s0S"
DEAR MIR. ST. NICHOLAS :-Grandma
says that, perhaps, you don't know where
we have been living, since we lett the
great house in B. aud that this may
DO the reasonEyou bring US no more
presents on Christmas. / do not want
anything for myself Grandma says she
can mend my coat and pants so that they
will do me all winter. Patches, she ssys,
will make them warmer, II they do not
add to their beauty. But do bring US
something to eat. We had only potatoes
for supper last night, and these will soon
be done, and our wood Is nearly gone.
Grandma is sick great deal, and I think
it Is because she has not enough to eat,
nor sufficient clothing to keep her warm.
l would help her If could, but you know
l am a cripple and cannot go only on
crutches.
She does not know / have written this,
or maybe, she would not let me send it.
Yours, ETC., EDGAR.
When Mr.. Nichols had read the letter,
he put 1t in his pocket, saying as he did
so, 1t is not to me, but 1t is for me, and 1
will dnSuer it.
1t was the gath oil December, 1868.
The ground was covered with snow to-
the depth Of several inches, and 1t was
still showing. Beautifully painted sleighs
filled with joyous, laughing youngsters,
and drawn by horses with merry bells
tiukling from all parts Of their harness,
had been passing the humble dwelling OF
widow Waltham all day. It was the frat
sleighiug snow Of the season. and the
young people were all off to town to en-
Joy sleigh ride, and to lay in a stock OF
presents for the little ones in the morning.
All day had Edgar sat by the windows
overlooking the big road, watching the
white snow as 1t fell from the clouds, and
admiring the sleighs as they passed, think
ing and feeling as only child in his stu
alton can think and feel. When he saw
others in possession OF all the powers OF
physical enjoyment, he would ask him
self, Why am l denied these pleasures?
Why must be doomed to a life OF suffer.
ing and inactionG But Grandma says 1t
was designed for some good end, and that
it will all be made plain at the proper
time. God, she says, orders all things
wisely, and that we must believe when
we can't understand. She knows best.
But another thing occupied. his
thoughts. Hehad promised his Grandma
surprise" Had good St. Nicholas re-
ceived his letter and would he respond to
It? Doubts would cross his mind, leaV-
ing their shadows on his face. His only
consolation was that there was still time
enough for the answer. '33s
About the middle Of the afternoon,
while busy with such thoughts, a large
sled stopped before the littlega opening
into the path leading up to the house.
He scarcely had time to apprise his
grandma Of the fact, when there came q
loud rap ct the door.
GOOD day, madam" said the whole.
hearted driver, II have some -four and
meat, and groceries Tor you; where will
you have them put"
"You must be mistaken. sir. They
arc doubtless intended for some one else"
"Your name is Waltham and you live
on one corner Of the Waltham farm ?"
"Yes, sir"