Rapides gazette. (Alexandria, La.) 1869-187?, 1873-02-01
That stranger knew a little bow who

That stranger knew little boy who
had attended many service in that cathe-
dral-awed by its sweet music, wonder
ing at its white-robed choristers. The
little boy had known every face on the
quaint gargoyles of the ancient chapter
house, and with child-like familiarity he
had given name to each one of those con-
torted countenances. That little boy,
muffied in black weepers, had stood be-
side an open grave right under the great
west window, and listened to a funeral
service over a little sister. The stranger
went to seek that little grave-went
straight to 1t without one mistaken step.
But It is not little grave any more, for
under the name of"Amy Rogerson, aged
four" is written "Also the Rev. Richard
Rogerson, father of the above, aged seven
| ty. Also his wife Amelia, aged sixty
nine. Also their son Thomas, aged for
ty-eight." t.
Oh, little sister, who went so long be-
fore, how much did you know of earth
while you were growing up in heaven
Was not your father very glad on the day
when he entered rest and joined the fold
ed lamb of happier timesp Oh, little sis
ter! Is there any look on the face on an
angel, whose human heart was broken?
The stranger stood still by that house.
hold tomb, and looked around. There
was another grave which that little boy
had known-tle family grave of that lit
tie boys playfellow, the Herons. But
the stranger knew that he could
light, though he could have found the
way to their house in the utter darkness
| He crossed the Cathedral Square, and
issued out on Norham High Street. The
shops were bright with Christmas goods,
and busy with Christmas trade. =, e.
There was little, thin, sharp-looking
widow, with boy on one side and girl
on the other, gazing intently into the best
draper's shop. The stranger stood still
when he first saw them, and then he went
up slowly and stood behind them.
'It's no good wasting our time, Mar
gey," said the mother, Hfor we can't af-
ford to buy anything"
"But looking doesn't spend mamma"
pleaded Margey, "and I'd like to plan
what I'd give you If could, mamma, and
to choose what should like you to give
me. There, you should have that beauti-
full thick black silk, and it should be made
with one deep fiounce like the mayors
wife's, and you should have that soft gray.
shawl to wear with it. AndI would have
two of those merinos-a dark brown for
everyday, and an olive green for Sum-
cloth jackets. And there's Tom gone off
to look at the watches. Tom is going to
save sixpence week to buy one, mamma,
but won't it take long time?"
| "Ah, wish could give you children
pleasant SURPRISES" said mamma wistful-
ly. 81 was so fond of that kind of
1 tricks once upon time.n
| "And so you are still, nanny DEAR"
Margey replied, pressing fondly to her.
Isn't it always pleasant surprise when
you make us fig-puddingP I'm sure we
are very happy, and won't talk any
more OF my nonsense if it worries YOU"
Then the little group passed on; and
the tall stranger followed them out of the
glare of the gaslight into small by-way,
where they entered house with MRS.
L. Rogerson's day-school for young la
dies" written on the door. Then he
went back to the Bigh Street, and that
same night large parcel from the dra-
per's came For Mrs. Rogerson and Miss
Margery," and little packet from the
jewelers., for Master Tom Rogerson."
Everything we wanted" sighed Mar
real. How could they have comet? The
L
tall, dark gentleman, very pale. wish
mamma would let us believe in ghosts,
and then we could understand it easily,
for that description is like dear papa. But
never did hear of any ghost that had
money. wonder what Aunt Mary will
say when she comes tomorrow I"
The stranger went back to the Four
Swans. Next morning he went to the
cathedral, and stole into a shady corner
TO take part In the service. The sharp lit
tie widow came in, looking sweeter and
happier than would have seemed possible
the night before. Beside Margery and
! Tom, she had lady with her-an elderly,
fragile-looking lady, with one OF those
pale, fair faces, that look as if perfect re-
pose was their only remaining atmos-
phere Of life, and any jarring element,
even of joy, would shake and rend the
tender spirit from its feeble dwelling. A
face brig ht with spiritual Joy, and pleas
ant fancies and sentiments. God often
sends pleasant fancies to those pure but
weakly souls that could never rise to Gre
ate and grasp pleasant facts. What are
such fancies but the dainty aroma of the
royal feast awaiting them In their Father
mansion?
Lowly kneeled the stranger through
ehC oho AoAhhloL PidycIes Ilc stI icdIliflg
forwards with his face In his hands, while
the white-stOled choir chanted the glori-
GUS anthem: "Glory be to God in the
Highest, and on earth peace, good will to
wards men," H.l, A
Then lie came out, silently, among the
crowd of worshippers. People were ex.
changing good wishes with each other
actually Peter, the old waiter, saluted
even him with "a merry Christmas"
A merry Christmas!
The stranger stayed and wandered
among the graves. There was world Of
silent memory seething in his heart. Be
side that vision of the little boy, listening
awe struck to the choir, there
were others of a young, man,
vain, extravagant, selfish, counting
as of nought, or Of little value, all
the love and pride and household joy
which looked so very fair from this point
of view, this lonely wandering among
the dead! More pictures still. Of a
young man, reckless and cruel in his sins,
full Of that bravado which dares God and
good men out of fear of the devil and his
minions; of the CHASTITY horrors Of con.
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