The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1873-12-25
CHRESTMASSTORY.
The JOy-BeIls of Christmas Eve.

There were no '.oy bells ringing il
the heart of Hester Ray, as she wendel
!, her way through the crowded streets OF
Christmas eve, to her own poor littlt
home, away on the top OF crowded ten
ement house. She had left her two littl,
ones in the hands of an old erone, who
for two-pence reward, kept eye on then
In their mothers absence. Her dav,
work had brought her enough to finish
out her months rent, but not a penny
over for Christmas treat for the poor
children. 1t made her sad, even whilt
the glad church-bells were pealing, to see
so many bright-faced mothers going il
and coming out of the sparkling toy-shops
with their. hands full of parcels She
knew even the simplest of these TOW:
would make the '.joy bells" ring in the
heart of her little boy and girl
''Yet my poor dears cannot have even
and cold, and mother can bring them lit
tie cheer.
1t was comfort, though, that they
would be glad to see her come, though il
was empty-handed. She would have
time to give them each a kiss and warm
hug, if she was q poor hard working wo,
man. o, if toiling mothers would but
take time for these, how much it would
| tighten their burdens How much bet
ter would be the poor children, morally,
when they grew up and went out in the
world Take time, if only minute, to
| show the love in your heart. 1t will be
be worth more than money to both OF
you.
Hester was not so wrapped up in her
own cares and sorrows as to walk the
streets with her eyes closed, so to speak
She saw great many passers to and fro
worse off than she. She saw wretched
children who would envy her little ones
their happier lot. Halffamished, they
looked dirty and tattered, and she knew
that blows and oaths awaited them at
home. One poor little girl fell down on
the icy pavement just at her side. To
pick her up was the work of moment,
/ and to carry her to a stone step where
| she could rest her sprained foot minute
| Her few kind motherly words did the
poor, starved heart good, and she walked
away at last, looking back more than once
at the good woman who had spoken them.
Did you ever think how much kind words
were worth to those who do not hear them
often? a gentleman was ONCE talking
with a convict in State prison, in whom
he felt deep interest. Presently, the
| ard-looking man burst into a paroxism
of sobbing and weeping.
mister" he said, "them's the first
kind words l ever had spoken to me in my
life, and can't stand it."
Poor Hester had nothing else in the
world to give to Gods sorrowing ones,
unless it was now and then a minutes
help from her strong arms; but "she did
what she could" with free heart.
Turning into a less-frequented street,
she had not gone ten steps before she saw
little parcel lying on the pavement.
She picked it up, and cautiously examin
ed it by the light of a street-lamp. 1t
proved to be a little likeness of a mans
face, with dark, heavy beard, and
soldiers shoulder-bars; and it was set in a
costly case of gold. crusted with pearls.
Hastily shutting it up again in the little
box which held it, she looked anxiously
up and down at those who were likewise
passing on the street. Walking on lit
tie farther, she met lady and her ser
want, both evidently in great concern
over some matter. See watched them in
LeDIly, anu n6dIu tilc ldu(
/" l know, Jane, | had it in my muf
when we left the store; and some time af-
ter remember feeling it when we stopped
to look in Marchand's windows, so we
need not go farther back than that. There
is not one chance in a hundred that we
shall find it, but we will make the effort.
Look sharply on that side, and | will on
this"
"What have you lost ~ asked Hester,
respectfully.
ature of my husband. The case is cost
w; but it is the picture l prize most, for
that cannot be replaced. 1t was to have
been my daughters wedding gift to-mor-
row."
'Is this the package?" asked Hester,
glad in her heart that she could make
even this rich lady happy on Christmas
eve.
eyes, yes, my good woman, a thou
sand thanks Come right this way with
me. Not particle injured o how re-
DICED am! Have you little folks at
homer" she asked, with look that thrill
| ed through the poor woman's frame. 1t
was not often one saw such beautiful eyes;
so joy-lighted, too.
"A little boy and girl, ma'am; twins
| who were one month old when their father
died, seven years ago"
"Then come this way" said the bright
little woman, who was bound to make
some other heart glad as well as her own
| that blessed evening.
They entered a brilliantly lighted
"childrens bazaar" where there seemed to
be everything that could delight a child's
| eyes; and buying first an ample basket,
she gave her orders respecting the stock
ing of it in royal style.
:" Your little girl enjoys pl ying tea, l
don't doubt, if she is like other little girls.
So we will begin with this littl tea-set;"
and she directed the man to put up a
pretty set of sprgged china, and hand
some little gilt and crimson waiter to set
them on.
"Here is a train of cars for the boy,
and little steamboat.
"His father was fireman on board a
steamboat" said the mother, whose heart
was swelling and eyes glistening.
CHOW; hand me down a good stout doll,
already dressed" 1t was plain, from the
Iady's choice, that she was used to shop
ping for little folks.
THAT will answer very we'll" Then
came collection of miscellaneous little
TOYS, Just such as would make a child's
heart leap for joy. A tiny bird in its
blue wire cage, a little cupboard with
doors, a handful of beautifully colored
glass balls, two little china candlesticks,
and two dozen colored wax tapers, so they
could surely have light by which to see
their treasures.
| When all had been completed. she took