The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1873-12-26
MI is celia n g GU S (.
The BlessednesS of Riches.

1t was Christmas eve. 1t had taken the
Earth the entire day to array herself for
the coming festivities; and now, as the
last finished touch had been added and
she had nothing to do but fold her hands
and look pretty, she found her party dress
very cold, and shiyered again and again as
the needless Night Wind went whisting
by, leaving all the doors open. Earth was
very beautiful this eve, in her soft white
drapery, and her jewels flashed and spark
led in the light with rare brilliancy; her
faded brown locks were powdered DER, and
crystal daisies thrust therein, and cloud
of misty lace was thrown around her, which
added greatly to her attire. Winter, the
great artist, had designed and furnished
this toilette, faultless in every respect
Had his work ended here it would have
been well; but when he beheld how char
ming Earth was in her regal dress, he fell
down before her and worshipped even what
he had created; and Earth, pleased with
his adulation, steeled her heart against
every one else, and promised her hand to
him in marriage, her whole soul, like many
another maiden's, captivated with anticipa-
tons of the beautiful clothes with which
his indulgence would supply her. could
60 still further, and tell you that she fulfill
ed her VOW and became Winters bride; of
how Winter like many another husband
grew tired of his little wifee fondness for
dress, and deserted her, carrying her jewels
with him; how Earth wept her soul away in
tears; how her pretty white dresses grew
ragged and thin; and how finally they
laid her underneath the violets," like
many another sad heart; but all this has
nothing to do with our story.
1t was Christmas eve, as l have said
One walking the brilliantly lighted streets
of the city, and gazing in at the windows,
exposing for sale their choice and beauti-
full goods, their snowy and attractive gifts !;
looking into the bright, happy faces as they
passed, and listening to the excited chill
drens ordinations of delight as with
older ones, they witnessed the rare display,
would have needed nothing further to have
told him that it was the eve of great holi.
day. But turning aside into some of the
narrow streets; walking on, on, on, till the
crowds of eager faces gradually disappear
ed listening to the curses of the poor
wretch in the gutter, or the drunken brawl
of Others over the way; seeing only now
and then struggling rays of light from the
miserable dwellings piled up along the
walk; and catching from the countenances
of those whopassed only stolid, sullen CLAN.
ces, or sad, weary looks, he would have
required an almanac, to have told him that
the great day of rejoicing was so near at
hand. Yet many of the inmates of these
wretched "stys" were well aware that the
morrow was Christmas On some the fact
made no impression; they had long ago
become indifferent. Others it rendered bit
ter, and they cursed the poverty that ever
denied them the wherewithal to celebrate
holiday. Some wept as they thought of
brighter days past. And few, yes, there
were some even in this locality, that drew
nearer to each other and thanked God that
though they suffered below, they should
reign above, because of His precious gifts
to all mankind-thc Christ child-JEsUs.
"Brick Row" was a tenement house of
the poorest kind. Yet it was a shelter in
its way, and half dozen families huddled
together under its well ventilated roof and
called it home. In the basement of the
east end lived Mrs Mentz, and her little
brood. "Poor Mrs. Mentz," the neighbors
were wont to exclaim, as they thought of
tpariyea ~s'S,cr''- . fffh!y but to have de-
7--s-----.