Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1873-12-25

cunning CLEAN OF the eye and (WHICH
ing at the corners of the mouth that i'll
befitted the gravity of his speech.
$50 far as that's concerned, sir, re-
ferring, of course, to the promise OF
advancement you have made. I've al
ways endeavored to do my duty Ii,
in time, l have become worthy OF a
closer connection, | shall endeavor to
deserve it," answered John, as in sub
stance he had answered many times be-
fore.
MIR. Lickpenny nodded and smiled,
and so did John. Then Mr.. Lickpenny
went back into his little office, rubbing
his hands, and John, putting on his
great coat, went forth into the cold eve
ming air. The lamps were lighted
throughout the city, and the toy and
candy stores were respondent with gold
and red and silver characterization. AS
he passed one of them and saw the
throng of pleasant faced people within,
purchasing happiness for the little ones
at home, his heart was heavy with the
thought that there was no little soul,
near and dear, for him to gladden. on the
morrow.
1t was short walk to Mrs. Windles
boarding house, and soon reaching 1t,
uC 0UL6I0Q Dy I16dlS VI d 1tbCll-hSJ' III
had built fire at noon, and the room
was now warm, but there was an air OF
loneliness to it that it had never worn
before. After washing he passed the
few minutes elapsing before supper IN
looking over the evening paper, a copy
of which he had purchased on his way
| home. His eye naturally sought the
amusement column-not that he was in
| the habit of frequenting theatres, but
because he hoped to find there some
cheerful notices of Christmas panto-
mines and plays. There were, indeed,
several announcements of this sort or
entertainment, but they were not at
tractive. The time had been when he
read with delight the names of the
| Clown and Columbine, but those fictions
no Longer possessed any fascination for
him, and tonight they served but to
arouse So memories of boyisk frolics.
At the bottom of the column, however,
was notice of a performance of '"The
Messiah, and he read the names of the
singers and the other particulars with
interest. Nothing could exceed his love
of oratorio music.
At the supper table he sat beside Miss
Coy and learned from her that she had
several errands to call her out that eve
ming, but was in fear of being disap-
pointed in her desire to perform them as
it had began to snows
THAT need make no difference" said
| John, endeaYoIing to look uncOncernedly
at plate of toast before them. 81 am
! going out again and have very large
umbrella, and if you are not afraid of
getting wet l should be glad to accom-
pany you"
It was not a very elaborate or artistic
invitation, but Miss Coy seemed delighted
with it, and soon after supper was seen
! by several of the boarders essaying from
| the front door with her mittened hand on
Mr. Marrowprat's arm.
Now John was anything but ladies
man. He was somewhat awkward in
! their presence, and was painfully con-
scious of the fact; and very frequently
he got tongue tied. But when Miss Coy
told him that the object of her excursion
was the purchase of some trifles for her
| sisters children, whose hearts would be
| broken if Aunt Annie neglected them on
the morrow, John became forgetful of
| himself, and was soon peeping in at the
windows with beaning face and max
/ ing suggestions regarding the purchases,
! and went SO far as to buy a squeaking
| hoo with mink eyes and 8. wao]ly tail for
! bis landlords little boy Long before
! they had got to this point, however,
/ they had become quite communicative.
II should think" said John, placing
4 the umbrella SO as to more, effectgally
Enroteet bis companion, from the storm.
ssf6ot von'd ind. Il very tircson3e. fescb-
i,e school :, ~. :. r.; -. ~. +
-.22.CJ6 sometimes 7 do. But there are
r5ury -,,l,sa sures that con,nensate for tie
/. fafiGiIe. - was the cheerful reply. 81
| forget aIi ab0ut myself in watching the
| cIifeIran's faces. There's nothing so
/ nIeasant 10 look NJ as a cbild's face.
Chats so; said John, tsIt makes us
/ feel yo,ing. again. That is.".he instantly
T added. conscious of q, blunder. sesuoh as
| are old - III -. -. .....t.. III.
.sEnl sure yuui0nt call Yourself old. -
| responded Miss Gov. in a tone strongly
/ cte1irecatinr such 4 conclusion. (. ....-..
Eyes. ! do said John, in. all sinceri-
/ tv. E,rn getting along fast Nj least. /
feel SO. Perhaps it IS owing TO my sol
ltary way of living, perhaps not, don't
| know. . .--.,-..: N. .-.l.,... t-sz-r-
There was such q yearning for sym
/ patbv EXPRESSED IN his voice that the
/ brirbt look that Miss Coy AabituaIly
|. wore faded for a moment, and one of
4 kind concern took It's place. But it
came back almost immediately, and her
| Increased vfvaeay was an evidence Of
/. her desire to, dispei the sadness that had
! fallen upon him. Ana she was very sue
! ceesflal. E..'.5 r.. s...... ~.
| The snow. which had begun to. fall
| early in the evening. had given place to.
| rain that froze. as soon as it reached the
/ earth. and covered the walks with an
| lev Go coating exceedingly dangerous 10 pc
! destrians Mr.. MaTr0wprat. with the
| brown naDer parcels containing their
| purchases in one hand. and the wind
| tossed umbrella in the other. found cen
siderable difficulty in supporting his fair
companion. Twice she slipped, and
| twice. with his assistance, laughingly
recovered herself. BY and by one, Of
the bundles fell and, in STOPPING to
/ pick it up, John felt his feet fly from