The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1872-12-24
HUNGRY ON CHRISTMAS DAY,
- f'r
ATRUE STORY.
ny ELIZABETH DuDLEY.

On the afternoon Of December "a
49,, though the light was fast falling
weary looking little lady sat close at her
window, painting rapidly yet carefully as
she finished delicate miniature portrait
on porcelain, for she was employed by one
Of our largest Photographic galleries, al
that time Justin the beginning Of It's ex-
istence. r. o.. 80
Two children played lovingly and
uerrlly at a table near, her room was un.
usually pleasant and comfortable looking,
herOwn dress and the children's good and
suiIabIe-theTe seemed no cause for the
look Of sad aud weary care upon her face
but this dear little woman was ono who
loved her neighbor and consciously
lived for others, and these were her
thoughts: EN
~ have not seen my young neighbors
ior nearly d week until to-day, and then
the husband looked 50 pale and thin
fear they are in trouble, and yet I hardly
dare venture in. Oh, this life in large
cities is cruel Where they pack US SO,
utter strangers, In separate rooms adjoin-
i1g, and we know nothing of each other
Our ncighbor on the other side of the par.
uIion may be dying Of grief and Ioneli.
BeSs, or want, while we are careless and
gay, until some morning the janitOr
comes IN with scared face 10 say that
tue man In the next room is dead-died
inthe night-alone--liis body lies there
On tue other side Of the wall Oh, it is
TOO horrible! Such u thing happened
once IN this house before I came to It. Il
must not happen again ! will get paid
to-day for this picture, and when the
children are asleep will run round tc
the market and buy q turkey, with all
the accomplishments. and then will
invite Mr. and Mrs. Wilson TO eat with US
tomorrow, and will learn il they are in
trouble" ...
Inspired by kindly thoughts, she
worked faster than ever, and soon the
last touch was gently placed, the NINA.
lure Tgldly sCrutinized, and with q salts
lied smile wrapped up. Then telling the
children TO get their coats and hats, they
all three hastened away TO the photograph
gallery Only one young clerk was there
having been left. m charge while the
others went home earlier than usual.
"MF. Poser expected YOU" said he
and told me when you brought his
wlle's picture TO shut up the place and
bring 1t to his house. SSid he knew you
wouldn't disappoint him-you never do
Where is the house, Johnnie; l might
take II myself land get paid" she added
up in Fortieth street-but you had'nr
better take It, Mrs. Lenox, for he has u
party to night. and xlive near there"
VERY well, Johnnie; don't undo the
psckagei II you take it from the box il
might Sc, broken" .
"Oh, Ill look out; Merry Christmas
Mrs Lenox: ! won't see you tomorrow
Merry Christmas, Johnnie; I shall no
forget You on the Goth" She turneC
sadly away and went slowly home with
tue children, trying to share their enjoy
ment OF the brilliantly beautiful shol
windows, where so many things were dis
played that she would like to own. Blu
she scarcely thought Of that, her dlsap
pOiniment In not getting the expected ter
dollars that evening had quite derAngeC
her plans, for now no turkey could b.
bought.
Laugh, mamma, laugh Don't be 81
SILL! cried out little Berthe as he glancc(
up at her sad face. The mother smiled
10 please him, a tender, loving smile sucE
asan angels face might wear, and bOtt
Tue children laughed outright.
Dear innOcentsl They know nothing
oiIl'eStrials and disappointments! NeiLh
CT shall they know; have always madI
iaem happy, and will still do so, wheIh
eFwe have Christmas dinner or not"
NOW energy animated her, she joined
with her dNrlings in admiring beautiful
anu wonderful toys; books, and all thu
various holiday gifts so temptingly dis,
pIayeu, aud only took them home whei
!2ey, We're ready. AS she helped littlt
Berthe up the long, tedious flights Of stair
HaI Ie1 To their two rooms, while MadgC
ripped lightly on ahead, she met Mrs
wilson, her neighbor, coming down, ant
e.3Acnahgtng q pleasant greeting, saw tina
Tue young witc's eyelashes were wet Will
saIs, while her voice sounded unnatural
Iychsetlul.
80 the artist, who had been a yount
WE herself once, and was now patient
qulst little widow, lcll q planning agail
~ soon as she had given the children
IueIE supper, and alter q merry game o
fomps put them 10 bed.
Only one dollar beside the money 70
tentE she sighed. "and four meals I,
E% rwG, before can again see Mr.. Poser
well have some stores in the pantry,
Slt! see what there sand then go to mar
S KY, must manage to sharc my Dime
TMu my poor nGighbOrs-at least to in
E!e tnem-Or l shall be troubled all day
o %oS glad am that | bought gifts Tor tn
Su,tutGa three weeks since, when the,
WI, %sse cheaper and l had the money; nov
W., wy AZ least will not DO delrauded @
tsy| UA'N' VI NN'''uN
Among other lessons which the y!ctsi
.ulS OF life had taught this brave It'll
"umSn, was that OF tho true art Of cook
SS ~, now to provide n delicious inca
NV. %VI S9Sap and simple materials; so whcl
~; ,s,. aSa looked through her pantry sh
tipped Oh 10 market with seltsGlisae,
y, sSG 5l happy smile, as II she had been golnI
S'oSy tue largest turkey and beat 6uncI
SS'Ssy 10 DC found there, though he