The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1873-12-20

any other day in the year; when friends
meet friends, and acquaintance meet &C
quaintances, with the joyful greeting OF
GA Merry Christmas
! Upon this day Mrs. Berkeley had ex-
/ changed presents with her children, and
BERTHE who had been very impatient dur
ing the morning, took the clock from the
mantel, saying,
"Come now MOTHER let us hear this
wonderful musical box, that you have been
talking about. See it is nine Clock and
as he spoke the bell finished striking the
hour.
"Well then my restless children, listen
and you shall hear it's sweet tones; saying
this, Mrs. Berkeley drew out to its full
| length the piece of red tape, and the box
commenced to play that familiar air,
"IIome Sweet Home"
"But. mother, look at the canary bird.
You did not tell us that the top OF the
clock moved to one side, and took the bird
with it,
"Indeed, I never saw it do that before, y
replied Mrs. Berkeley thoroughly aston
ished; and upon examining this more
closely. she found under the lid box
evidently intended for iewelry box, in
which was an envelope addressed in Uncle
Ned's hand writing, "To my niece" Re-
moving the envelope from its hiding place,
and opening it she read A clock keeps
time, aud time is money, consequently a
clock keeps money,-please receive the
enclosed as Christmas present from your
affectionate Uncle Ned"
"Mother here is another piece of paper,
you dropped and as BERTHE spoke he
picked the paper from the floor, aud read
'sThis certities that the bearer has fifty
thousand dollars deposited in The First
National Bank, which will be paid upon
presentation of this certificate. George
Fides, cashier'''
1t was almost impossible for the family
to realize the good fortune which had be-
fallen them, and for time were speeches.
with amazement. At last BERTHE broke the
silence with a boisterous shout of Hip
hip hurrah three times three for Uncle
Ned Oh mother how very sorry am
that l called him mean miser. Do you
think he will ever forgive me 81
Mrs. Beikleys heart was full to over
flowing and she cried like child, in which
she was heartily joined by her daughter;
but tears of Joy last only short time; and
soon congratulations were freely and fer
vently exchanged, they were all SO en-
crossed that they did not notice the en-
trance of an old man in the store who
came as soon as the musical box was start
ed, and remained witnessing the scene
which was being enacted in the back room,
but who now made his presence known by
a loud chem ~
"What do you wish - queried Mrs.
Berkeley, who had now regained some OF
her usual composure.
"Please ma'am," replied the man,
.'would you be kind enough to help a
poor old man by giving me something to
eat?"
"Certainly," said Mrs. Berkeley, emo
person shall go away from my house hun
cry if | can help it, especially upon this
day." and as she spoke, proceeded to place
before the stranger tempting meal.
care these your children? meekly
asked the stranger, pointing to BERTHE and
Clara.
eyes" she replied, and added with
maternal pride, "better children were
never given to bless mothers life than
these, but you do not seem to enjoy youl
meal ~
eyes" replied their guest, "but still
am uncomfortable, for am only trying tc
act a part" and whilst saying this threw
aside his battered overcoat, and said
"Don't you know me? am your Uncle
Ned"
This surprise was greater than thai
which was occasioned upon the discovery
of the money contained in the clock, ant
upon Mrs. Berkeley assuring herself o
Uncle Ned's identity, she threw hersel
into his willing and extended arms, ex
claiming: 81 am so happy-so glad to SCI
YOU once more alive, and now if you knew
how thankful we are for your present; i
could only find words to express m.
! thanks and gratitude -
"There, stop now," replied Uncle Ned
"not another word upon that subject, OR
will leave the house Immediately"
"But uncle, surely you will let us thanl
you"
" Not another word about it as you valu
my friendship. Remember now and here
after, it is forbidden subject" and Il
. the family had become somewhat com
posed Uncle Ned took a seat by Clara ant
/ related some amusing incidents which h
/ had encountered during his long absence
t and finished by saying:
81 finally thought of again visiting m
native country, and arrived home safe ant
r sound few days ago, and was conceale
e in an adjoining room when you and you
/ cousins called yesterday, and heard thei
complimentary notices of their ninny c
, | an uncle, Knowing llicll ulSpoSibioHo -
we'll, l arranged my presents which turn
: ed out exactly rs ] had anticipated; bu
they have row the last dime they will eve
ret from their uncle. This reminds me
+. have omitted the business for which
came. You cannot imagine how lonely
/ am, and the old house is too large for me
5 You and your children must come and liv
4 there, to cheer the few remaining veal
with your presence. BERTHE, he continued
It close the house, bundle up some wearin
+ apparel, and send tomorrow for the ba
auce. 1t is nearly dinner time, and Mis-
:. Betsev, who is anxiously waiting for yol
Y will be provoked if her Christmas dinner
J. spoiled BE ready as soon as l get baci
for | ordered my carriage to remain aroun
e the corner in the next street for us.
II \ denial upon the part of Mrs. Berkle
It was not to be entertained, and soon a
II were riding to Uncle Ned's house, whe
Mrs. Berkeley quietly said to her daughte
u 1.-THE Lord has bountifully provided"
h eyes, mother and | will try and pa
e take of portion of your great faith;