The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1872-12-26
CHRISTMAS CAROLS.

pathy. and love. Busy hands were weaving Of
ferings for the morrow, and busy feet were has
tening homeward to cheerful, waiting fresides.
In pleasant homestead young glrl OF sixteen
was busily engaged in adding the finishing
touches to some dainty bit OF workmanship.
She formed pretty picture herself as she a SAT
curled up in the deep window sill, where the
freight brightning in the twilight flashed its
warm color over her shining hair and delicate
cheek. Her soft dark eyes shone with SUBJ
dued but earnest light, and the 1.-the figure
managed the dainty material of her work with
a graceful and deft manipulation attractive to
the beholder The beholder was gray haired
man, who occupied the great armchair in the
window corner of the fireplace, and who leaned
upon his cane and watched the pretty maiden,
fair young Rosamond, at her work, and smiled
to think how like she was to another Rosamond
he had known, and loved, and buried, IN the
Keep good watch, Grandpa" said the fresh
young voice "Don't let anybody scud along
your Side unbeknownst" as Biddy says; "I'm
afraid Papa will steal march on me. Wouldn't
have him to see this for pretty. Isn't 1t
beauty7 Won't he be pleased with it? Come
now, Grandie, dear, don't look SO solemn and
owlish. It's Christmas Eve. What are you
thinking of so deeply"
Thesold man looked up and smiled:
"T was thinking. Rosa, Of how good and how
pleasant it is to have Christmas come, and to
have one day in all the year on which there is
30 much good will. was thinking how all
these love gifts that we make to each other,
and all the kind feelings we have towards one
another, go to form precious love-gft to the
Lord of Christmas Indeed, the 'peace on
earth and good will to man" that prevails on
Christmas Day, IS the "Glory to God in the
Highest"
-sThat's beautiful, Grandpa, dear" exclaimed
the girl sits genuine Christmas Carol.
I always did say that my Grandpas hreslde
lectures were sermon and hymn all in one.
OF. dearie me, here comes Papa up the steps,
with his arms full of bundles. Let me rum
And gathering up her work Rosamond went
from the room. i.
At the same hour that Rosamond's papa as
csnded the steps of his beautiful home, another
father entered the door of,an humble cottage
not far distant He bore no Christmas bundles
in his arms His eyes were sad and his man
ner detected. Before the cheerful fire, whose
ruddy blaze lit up the small, low room, young
girl was kneeling while she toasted slices OF
bread for the evening meal. =,
"It's Christmas Eve, Papa" she said, with
lively nod of welcome. "Stoop down and give
me good, sweet kiss; this fire is toasting my
cheeks. as we'll as my slices. Mamma is putting
Bud to bed. He went sound asleep on the rug
and scoulIat wake up. Tea is all ready now.
I wish Harry was here"
MAY be it was the cheerful frewarmth, or
maybe the bright young. face and CHEEKY tones
OF the little daughter that wrought the charm
Il only know that the sad eyes frightened to
q fond smile as the father looked lovingly into
the upturned face of his child. The room was
cosy and comfortable, although the furniture
was plain and the adornments of the simplest
kind: The table was spread for tea, and the
cloth, and cups and saucers, and plates, were
speckless and shining, and laid with scrupu-
ious nicety. The teapot simmered on the
hearth, and within smooth oval of hot ashes
Law the; mealy broyn jackets that were to form
the evening meal. The mother entered the
room and greeted her husband with smile
At the same moment boyish voice was heard
at the door, and pair of stamping feet on the
doorstep kept time to sort of rude melody
that the boys voice sang to the words:
.ssgow It is winter, and am discontent
NV coat is somewhat like an ugly rent,
And all the snow from off the top of the house
Came downinto my ybosom--squash- ker-souse."
aHarry Minturn, you noisy youngster," ex-
claimed the girl, gayly, as she sprang to open
the door, "why, where have you been? You're
covered with snow u
Il should say So" said the boy, shaking
himself
lust as I popped under the eaves-hence my
sostchume. don't care. It's Christmas Eve,
and pve earned fifty cents carrying bundles,
and have got two jobs for tomorrow. Well
have Christmas supper if we don't have plum
pudding and turkey dinner"
Ssh" interrupted his sister. "Get Oh
vour coat and come to tea. We've elegant
roast potatoes and toast"
Somehow the brave CHEEKY boy, and the
equally bright and brave sister, made the home,
" room seem almost radiant, and the SAD eyed
father and patient mother sat down 10 tne ir9-
oal meal with a Christmas carol of thankful
1ess in their hearts for the peace that was theirs
in the Gift of their noble-hearted children
True. they were poor and in sore trouble, but
the trouble came not nigh them in the same
manner that it had come to some OF their
neiphbors. They had not ungrateful, rebelllous
children to wiring their hearts with anguish
And thew chose to praise God for the blessings
He had given them, rather than to replne Tor
what He had denied them.
0We must lose the cottage Mildred Mr..
Minturn said to his wife when alone win ner,
bnt we must not lose our trust in God. Let us
SING hymn of praise. Our home will be cold
next week, but we can celebrate our last Christ
mas in the dear old place with pleasant sound
Of carols, can't we?"
When Rosamond went from her grandfather
she sought her own room to put by her little
treasure.
"a love-gift to the Lord of Christmas = g. she
repeated to herself "That is beautiful-but
have no such gift. None of mine are meant
for Him. never think such good and holy
she glanced over the army of presents she
had with such interest," prepared. Something
for every one who will be likely to give me
something" m she said aloud. "And I'd never
thought of any one else. c&risfs birthday
"a At the table Rosamond's father said: 81
t.a.l 20 dow that the Mintnrn cottage is to be