The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1873-12-20
WRITTEN FOR THE CECIL WING.
Uncle Ned's Christmas Gifts,
BY A. G. DEBARRY.

BY A. G. DEBARRY.
King Jack Frost had taken full possession
of the country for some time past. and was
holding undisputed sway and high carnival
throughout the land, intruding his unwel-
come presence into many household
where his absence was more especially de-
sired; touching with his reddening finger
| the cheeks and noses of pedestrians; leav-
ing his cold breath in fantastical shapes on
many pane of glass, and his foot prints
coating the streets of the city OF b.
Upon one of these streets could be seen
a small house, the front room of which was
used as a store, with it's tin sign out vibrat-
ing without intermission; and this sign in
! formed the public, or as many of them
/ as wished to be informed on the subject,
that this was Mrs. NJ. l.. Berkley's trim
ming and notion store. Behind the coun-
ter, asserting and putting in their proper
places some of these trimmings and no.
tons, was Mrs. Berkley's son Robert,-or
as he was Familiarity called, Bertie,-a
handsome, manly youth, about II years of
age; and ip the back room, which was
separated from the store by partition
with door containing 4 small window,
was Mrs. Berkeley, busily engaged working
on some embroidery which was to be sold
in the store. She was pleasant, content
ed, industrious woman, who had been left a
widow nearly ten years before, and upon
her husbands death had taken the little
money which he had saved during his life
time, and opened this store for the support
of herself and children. The only other
occupant of the room, and remainder of
the family. was her invalid daughter Clara.
who from her infancy had been sickly, and
at this moment was lying on the lounge,
watching anxiously her mother, and who
now Ianguidly exclaimed:
ooh, mother. Why is it that | am
made such burden to you? Why does
not God permit me to be Of some assist
ance to my dear mother instead of being
such an expense, and hinderance, and
"Hush hush for shame, my daughter:
do you know you are committing great
sin by complaining, when you should be
thankful for the many blessings which are
vouchsafed us9''
eyes, l know that full we'll, mother;
but oh q. it frets and worries me SO much to
think of your toiling day after day, sitting
up late at nights, working at some trum.
,,o,, fo,, ova Gpa 1oJiac Uithout p,ur-
muir; working in this manner for BERTHE
and me; and now these hard times upon
us,-and should you not get assistance
you will be unable to pay your rent on
New Year day. BERTHE cannot continue
his schooling, and what will become OF
us ?'
"When my child is in trouble" answer
ed her mother, 81 think it would be Of
incalculable benefit to her, as it has been tc
me, if she would remember these lines
which are in that beautiful piece of poetry
called The Lord will provide:'
Though troubles assail, and dangers af
fright
Though friends should all fail, and foes al
unite;
Yet one thing secures us,-whatever hetide
The Scripture assures us, the Lord viii
provide.
eyes, mother, | will try and profit by
, your teachings, good example, and Christian
resignation, but sometimes | think if
Mother" called BERTHE from the store
"don't you know that this is the da!
before Christmas; amt you going as usual
on this day, to Uncle Ned's?"
YES BERTHE, but I received a note from
his housekeeper last week, appointing on
o'clock as the hour for us to come and
have sufficient time to get there; whilst
am gone take good care Of Clara and TIL
store"
"Certainly l WILL" answered BERTHE
"but hope Uncle Ned will give you a
least 500 this Christmas, for you need
so very much now"
"Be thankful for what you receive, m
child" replied Mrs. Berkeley as she starte'
b. for her uncle's house.
Uncle Ned was rich old bachelor, VIII
for number of years had been absent
travelling in foreign countries, but Away
maintaining his house in the city: on b
avenue; leaving his housekeeper Mis-
Betsey, to superintend his servants, an
keep a home for him, as he had often writ
ten that some time he expected to "settl
down." and as he Lad been in the habit @
making Christmas presents to his onl
relatives, This three nieces) previous to &c
, ing abroad, so he continued this practic
during his absence, through his faithful
honsekeoper.
Upon Mrs. Berkley's arrival at he
uncle's house she was shown into tn
cheerful sitting room; upon the mantt
=. stood small clock, with a stuffed canar
bird on the top. This bird had been
great favorite with Uncle Ned, and afte
, its death he had it preserved in this mar
ner. In the base of the clock was mus
cal box, which was wound up by drawn
from the side piece of red tape; an
H. MANY time had Mrs Berkeley, when
h, child, been coaxed into submission b
hearing its dulcet notes. This brouel
wildly to mind her childhood days, whe
surrounded by fond, loving parents, and
happy home with oil that could make lii
desirable, which had passed away now, an
> in its place left her struggling with povert.
Id Her meditations were dispersed by IL
entrance of Miss Betsey, who with co
dial greeting of "good morning ma'an
.. right glad to see you," proceeded to II
move her visitors bonnet and shawl
"And how are the children - she col
tinued. "Bertio | presume has grow
- very much, and Clara, poor thing, how
sheo and your business, how's thai? -
Cuisines is very dull with me at pre-
ents' replied Mrs. Berkeley; "and Bert
has almost grown to be man; Clara co
times about the same; sometimes bette
and sometimes worse; but still | alwa
hope for the best. When did you be
from Uncle Ned?'
81 have letter in my hand now, whi
| received from him yesterday, containii
e., 4 l,,.,p{ sfrift