The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1873-12-23


unlooksd-for incidental expenses rose up
before her, and she closed her pocket book
put away her bonnet, and concluded to do
without everything that was not neces-
sity.
Her husband laughed at her when she
told him the result of her long reverie and
then drew out his purse.
"My pet, if you want some money for
presents, take it." She looked at him
earnestly.
"Could Ispend it on unnecessary things
consistently P'
Well, no Gerty, not consistently. It
will be long time, fear, before we can
hope to indulge our tastes as we once did
on Christmas Eve. If / could stand
again, as ] was this night two years ago."
cit is possible, is it not P'
Yes, If you help me as you are doing
now. Gerty, this Christmas has brought
me something, and that is better knowl-
edge of the wife whom l thought l under
stood thoroughly. I was very ignorant
man until week ago. But for this trou-
BILE l might have died. and never apprecia-
ted you, as you deserve, never have known
the real worth and ability of my own wife.
So, you see, have received my Christmas
gift, the richest ever sent me- the most
precious"
Sand now you have given me mine. To
be understood and appreciated is the great
est gift woman can receive"
"And prosperity, Gerty, was not tending
to bestow these upon us. Adversely dis
closed the jewels that were nearly lost for
ever. In the future, whatever cares may
arise, shall know where to come for coun-
sci and help, as well as for comfort and
sympathy"
81 think should feel perfectly happy
this minute if l only had some little things
to put in the children's stockings" said
Mrs. Morrison, playfully. "They have
hung them in the kitchen chimney, with
such perfect faith in finding them full in
the morning"
"I think their faith will be rewarded.
Just now saw uncle Jim bringing in some
very suspicious packages. Perhaps he
would like to appear in the character which
Ray persists in ascribing to him. He has
so few pleasures, Gerty, and he has been so
kind, if he takes this out of our hands we
will not grudge it to him.
Christmas morning was ushered in by
very unusual commotion IN uncle James
quiet house. Mrs. Morrison was awaken
ed by cries of delight and ordinations of
joy, mingled with the hurried pattering of
little feet on the staircase; and then the
four children rushed into the room breath
less, to tell the tale.
"Santa Claus is downstairs ~ screamed
Tommy, who was minus his jacket and
shoes.
"Santa Claus, Santa Claus ~ echoed
Ray, excitedly, "him tumbled down the
chimney" Ir
"It's uncle James," shouted BERTHE,
"and oh papa, you ought to see him.
oh hasn't he got lots of things. Why, he
is sitting on big sleigh, and he has
whole crowd of toys on his back Come
and see him."
Edith, "because he laughed when Ray
went up and and put her hand on his
beard. But he will not speak to us.'
"Let us 60 back p shouted Tommy,
''he may fly away !" and off he ran, fol-
lowed by the others.
When Mr.. and Mrs. MORRISON reached
the dining-room, a novel sight was pre-
sented to their astonished gaze, Uncle
James, artistically arrayed as Santa Claus,
was engaged in distributing to the chill
dren the contents of a large pack. Dolls,
wagons, steamboats,, guns, whips, drums
and boxes of sugar r-plums lay scattered
about them, while each examined the
treasures in detail and exclaimed afresh
over the beauties of every toy.
Every member of the household was re-
membered, and on Ediths white throat
glistened the heavy chain and monogram
locket that she had ceased to think of.
"Come, Albert, help me out of this
Sleigh" said uncle James, unfastsning his
snow-haked cloak, and removing his long,
gray wig and beard that had somewhat
disguised his features The children
shouted with delight. alm
81 told you so ! knew it was Uncle
James !" cried Edith, running to kiss him.
Ray sprang on his knee unasled, and clasp
ed her arms around his neck
Uncle James looked delighted, and gaz-
ed triumphantly around him.
"This is my Christmas gift" he said.--