The Portland daily press., 1873-12-10
(From the French of Edmond About. I
The Birthday Anniversary.

Toto wakes late this morning. Francis is
already dressed and the idle boy is still asleep
his little mama is tired waiting for him; she
has put on her morning wrapper, hid her feet
in her embroidered sandals that the little ones
kiss, they are SO pretty, and comes TO watch
her baby boy when he wakens. She longs to
clasp him in her arms. nl
During the night she awoke, thinking of
another night four years ago. She has al
ready possessed her treasure for that length
of time. She is eager to embrace him; to
see him open his eyes, TO know that he lives,
that he is well; at last, he moves and sees her
there. Smiling, but without raising his head
he says, "GOod morning, imama." "Good
morning, my angel" and she catches him in
her arms and seems to wish with her love and
kisses to form him anew. The little one lets
her do what. she will, his arms around her
neck, his head on her shoulder watching her.
Suddenly he moves. ''What is that there?"
pointing to large package lying upon the
table; then Francis comes near, and with a
little air of superiority says, "Toto is four
wears old to-day" Toto understands; he
wishes to jump down. His mother can
scarcely hold her precious burden, grown
already little too heavy for her; ''Mothers
are always sorry when their little ones be-
come too heavy for their arms; it is such q
pleasure to make cradle for them when they
sleep" y5.- la r.
ssWait, Toto, a little patience" The paper
is torn open and Toto stamps his little feet as
at last he discovers the wonders which it
holds for him. s'Soldiersp' he opens the
box, claps his hands, then breathless runs to
a boat, and wearies himself in his desperate
efforts to tear from his seat the only sailor
composing the crew. Francis interposed,
''When will my birthday come?'
"Ah, very soon. And 1 shall be taller than
Toto?" h
af ssYes, much taller"
He is content, and watches, without touch
ing, the trophies that Toto guarls so jealous
ly. They embrace him, and the child thanks
them with his voice, so pure, his winking
eyes, and his little white hands. At last he
clasps his mama's neck, and they go away, to
say good morning to papa.
'1s this you, my 10y? how tall you are p
And he gave shout, but on looking at his
wife, emotion overcame him also, and he took
her hand which she clasped lovingly.
''Four years old, do you know" she said.
"Dear little manp' answered papa, "but
come, that I may krss YOU"
But Francis who had the chair, spoke.
ssHave you nothing to give Toto, papap'
Toto opened his eyes wide. Papa, with the
air of seeking something, suddenly strikes his
forehead, he bethinks himself. "Yes, he be-
lieves this gift that merchant has brought,
a horse, is for Totor' They rummage the
room. Francis searches under all the tables;
at last the horse makes majestic entrance.
They are very happy, but must be dressed or
they will catch cold. Mamma hides her son in
the folds of her robe and carries him away.
Francis goes out with measured step dragging
the horse with him; the two little tongues
chatter, chatter without stopping. All! well,
there are so many things to decide.
Soon, they will 60 to the home of grandma
ma. Toto is triumphant, laden with his play
things; all ready 10 receive more. The good
grandmama will not refuse him anything,
and .soon the children are absorbed in their
play; the three chairs are quietly drawn to-
gether, and in a low soft voice they talk.
"Do you know he is very large of his ageT'
says grandma.
5'Ah yes he is tall" said his mother.
CHE is not only tall but heis strong, and will
be sprightly fellow" said his father.
Mama-"He was so little when he was
born"
Grandmama-"He was very sickly IL is
true, the poor little love.'' Z
Papa-"Tbe fact is he was fright"
Mama-"How can you say thatP he had
the most beautiful eyes in the world" m
Papa-."We never saw them for he slept all
the time"