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

cordiality. They entered the sitting room
and bestowing nod accompanied with n
cool "Good morning to the occupants,
proceeded leisurely to seat themselves.
Now that we are here said Mrs.
Stuckup, ''let us know what that ninny
of an uncle MS going to do for us this
Christmas.
eyes, let us have our presents, for
have considerable shopping which must be
attended to-" and saying this, Mrs. Lofty
arranged her silk dress with her diamond
ieweled hand.
"You shall know in few moments, re-
piled Miss Betsey. "Iere is letter
from London, which came from your
uncle, and l will now read that portion
which relates to his present He says
This year the presents are to be divided
into three parts. The first lot to consist
of an envelope containing 81, 800. The
second parcel to be an envelope containing
$4,000, and the third present to be my
clock with the stuffed canary bird on the
top, and | wish my nieces to select one
from these presents, giving the first choice
to Mrs. Stuckup: the second choice to Mrs
Lofty, and the remaining present to Mrs.
Berkeley; but should either Mrs. Stuckup
or Mrs. Lofty wish to give the first or
second choice to Mrs. Berkeley l haze 10
objections to their doing so.
CHOW ladies you have heard your
uncle's letter. Then addressing Mrs.
Stuckup she continued, "to you belongs
the first CHOICE
"Tll take the envelope with the s., 800"
replied that lady.
"Before doing so,' said Miss Betsey
let me ask you to reconsider your choice.
and let Mrs. Berkeley have the money, for
you are rich whilst she is poor"
81 shall do nothing of the kind tartly
replied that lady; land you will oblige
me by following my uncle's directions and
give me the money
Miss Betsey then gave her the package,
and turning to Mrs. Lofty said: "Iou
have the second choice; will you take the
clock and allow your cousin the $4,000 9'
"No;'' replied the lady Addressed and
l think you are greatly exceeding your
instructions, Miss, by giving advice where
it is not wanted; besides it is quite evident
from the disposition uncle has made OF
these presents, that Mrs. Berkeley is no
favorite of his, or he would have given
her the money Direct" and saying this she
received her present, when the two ladies
left the room without deigning word, or
look to the occupants, and were soon rid
ing down the street to spend the Christ
mas money, so lavishly given by their
great hearted relative.
After their departure, Miss Betsey took
the clock from the mantei and said:
"This now belongs to you, Mrs. Belk-
ley, and in this letter your uncle says
Whoever gets the clock, ask her to take
good care of it for my sake, especially the
stuffed canary bird which belongs to the
clock, and request her also not to start the
musical box until nine o'clock on Christ.
mas day; and at that hour hope my niece
will think of me, as surely will remem,
Der herr and" continued the housekeeper,
81 am very, very sorry that yon did not
succeed in securing one of those handsome
presents which your cousins received; yet
feel confident that You will be happier
with this present, than they will be with
theirs; and know you will take good care
Of the clock"
! eyes indeed: will treasure this pres
ent for his sake; and my children will rev,
erence it for the many acts of kindness We
have received from him; but l regret ex
ceedingly your plcadings in my behalf witt
my cousins"
"Well advised them for the best, as
thought; but it would be easier to make
water run up hill than to turn their stony
hearts,"
Mrs. Berkeley started for home carrying
the clock, and frequently during her walk
she regretted that a small portion of tht
money that had been given to her cousin:
did not fall to her share; for then she coult
have continued Bertie's schooling; still she
did not murmur, for had not Uncle Nee
been a faithful friend on numerous occa
sions? But what had CHI anged his love ant
regard for herr Why did he make such ;
distinction this year? were questions slit
could not satisfactorily solve, but he hae
given her this clock and how happy i
would make her to hear again those ole
familiar tunes which she, when child
had 50 often heard with wonder and amaze
ment: and then this musical box would b,
such comfort to her invalid daughter
But true, the rent would shortly he due ant
no money to pay it. What would she do
Then came to her those consolng words
"The Lord will provide" - Yes" sh
said, "true, the Lord will provide
Soon she was seated in her back room
the clock, and telling of the sweet tunes
could play. They were anxious to hear it
and importuned sheir mother to start it
but she made them acquainted with thei
uncies's request and would not start til
musical box until the designated time o.
the morrow.
"Tell us, mother" exclaimed BERTHE
"what Uuncle Ned gave to your cousins .
"They received their presents in NOR
ey," replied Mrs. Berkeley.
} elbow much - asked the children.
"Mrs. Stuckup got $1,000 and Mrs
Lofty $4,000"
) "What sin and shame" exclaime
BERTHE. 81 really think that Uncle Ned
; the most dsagreeable, and stingy Of
miser that ever heard Of
"And think so too" said Clara. "Jus
think what good the half, or even quartz
| of that amount would have done u.s.
Children, am astonished at you
Why set OF Uottentots would scarcel
behave worse or utter such envious, il
, natured words ~
"Never mind mother, dear; it wont |
many years now before I'll be man, the
$ you will not have to sit up late at nigl
r working embroidery and sewing as yo
do now
, "Until that time arrives BERTHE, yo
: have considerable to learn. Now | wis
Won would finish fxin0 IN the stock in Il