Vermont farmer. [volume] (Newport, Orleans County, Vt.) 1870-1877, 1874-12-25

the dread TACT staring them In the face, do
you wonder they were downoast and sad
Truly had he said, no Christmas had ever
passed before without its gihs.
Now, old, in6rm, and poor, they felt they
were forgotten by all but the One that never
forgets, and with heavy heart they had
laid their heads upon the pillow to take
their much needed repose, for It was near
midnight.
They slept soundly, and only once n crack
ling OF the crisp snow at the door or some
fancy of the weary brain had aroused them,
until the gray in the east had disappeared,
and the morning light WIS streaming in ut
the windows.
They were soon dressed, and the fire blaz-
ing and cracking as though there was moro
for it TO do than to boil the potatoes aud
bake the corn cake that was TO make up the
morning meal. 1t seemed to say, "IIope on,
hope on.h
But the little brook that ran bubbling along
just back of the house must DO visited for
fresh water, and pail in hand Mrs. Green
wood opened the door, and found, not water,
but something far more substantial. Her
L
goodnessr brought her husband to her side.
There, right on the threshold, the outer
edge neatly propped up with bit of wood,
was barrel, and on top and around il ni-
mcrous bundles and parcels.
Their united efforts soon brought them in
doors, and then, falling on their knees, there
went up such prayer of thanksgiving and
l. In,
Rising from their knees they sat for few
moments rs though overcome by their emo
tons, while little Gortie sat upright in the
| truckle bed, n silent beholder, her blue eyes
| looking their establishment at the strange
| scene before her.
For moment, only. then she was nesting
close to her grandmother, her arms about
her neck, and "What makes grandma cry?"
while there was perceptible quiver in her
voice that ut once recalled the old lady to
her senses.
Gertie was soon dressed in her clean but
well-mended garments, and they proceeded
to examine their treasures.
| A barrel Of flour and n bag of meal were
soon disposed Of; then came the large bas-
ket, with its paper cover SO nicely tied down,
| in which was found such an array of needed
articles that will not attempt to enumorate
them, but they were all there even to
the roast turkey.
Then, there was large bundle Of clothing
for Gertie, somo new, some littlel worn,
but all good and serviceable; but what SEEM
ed to her of tho most Importance was the
pair of bright stockings, and the new shoes
with their shining copper tips.
These she soon appropriated and pronounce
ed just right, although very large, which to
DO sure was no great fault. How she chat
tered and danced about Her shoes would
last always, "they were so nice. and they
never would be poor again, no never"
In the last and smallest bundle was neat
print dress for Mrs. Greenwood, upon which
u slip OF paper was pinned with the words
"Mr. and Mrs. Greenwood: accept these
gifts as from the Lord, for he opens the
hearts of the people"
Just this, and no more. but was it not
enough? SENT rs it were, in answer to ther
earnest petition for aid, and rs they read il
their faith and trust was increased. Yester-
day, want, actual want, seemed close nj
hand. To-day, through the bounty OF kind
friends they are made comfortable for al
least six months to come.
No wonder the water, the breakfast, and
all else were forgotten in the surprise ant
JOY of tho moment But the cravings o
nature remind them of their breakfast which
Is soon prepared and to which was added
some bits from the big basket to give the
humble meal relish.
Seated ut the table. the snowy head bowed
to invoke the Fathers blessing, when quicI
step was heard ut the door, and withou
stopping, man well wrapped in winter
clothing entered and stood silent before
them.
One look, and the mothers quick eye rec
ognized in the stranger her own son, Arthur
and Gertie's father.
With glad cry she sprang towards him
But will not attempt to describe the meet
ing; tender yet joyful; tears and smiles thu
different emotions seemed almost blended il
one. Tho readers can picture to themselves
the scene as being of an affecting nature, bu
words fail to portray il accurately.
Little Gertie was the only silent ONE ant
rs she received the caresses of the bronzed
dark looking stranger who they told her wa
her father, she secretly wished he had never
come, and then she could have eaten hel
breakfast and not been squeezed so. Blu
tho doll bought at tho village where h,
stopped to inquire of their whereabouts
turned tho scale. and papa bought the firs
kiss from his darling with the wonderful
plaything.
But what day it was. Tho history o
each for the five years to be told. Question!
to DO asked and answered, and the kline
friends greeted that dropped in to congratu
late them on their sons return.
The five years had been spent by Arthur
in the mines OF Australia, and had been year
of success. flo was now wealthy and hat
come home TO care for them in their oil
age, and provide home for little Gcrtie
now six years old, that he had left an inian
in his mothers arms. And although he Ia,
intended to arrive one day sooner, he hat
helped to make the happiest Christmas o
their lives.
And rs they gathered around the famil
altar that night, it was with renewed faith il
the Great Shepherd, for they felt he had in
deed verified his promise. And rs the.
look back in coming years to this eventfn
Christmas day, it will be with belief in th
old adage. that "the darkest time Is just be
fore day."
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