The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1874-03-14
NELLIE MoNROE's PARTY
OR THE
Resolution of the Poor Boy to be Some
body.

1t was Christmas Eve, in the great city
Of New York On the streets, all was hur
~ and hustle In the homes Of the veal
thy, extensive preparations were going on
and even the very poor were using little
extra exertion to make a holiday, for was
it not the birthday Of our Saviour, who
gave good gifts to his children, rich and
poor alike
In house on Fifth avenue, brilliantly
lighted and tastefully decorated, was col.
lected a party Of young children, sons and
daughters Of wealthy men, come to cele-
brate Christmas Eve, and also the birth
day Of their young hostess, beautiful girl
Of ten summers, Nellie Monroe. She was
the only daughter of wealthy merchant
Of New York, and was tonight enjoying
her first party.
The parlors (now filled with young peo-
pie, were elegantly furnished a conserva-
tory Of choice flowers opened from one OF
them filling the air with perfume in the
large dining room was a band of music,
and the dancers we're moving swiftly over
the floor and in the supper room the ia
bles we're fairly groaning with their load of
good things
In the midst of all this gayety was Mel
lie, going from room to room, keeping
things straight, as she called it. Mr.. Mon
roe had lost his wife at the birth of his
daughter, and he had given all the love
that had been hers to the infant she left
behind her ; so Nellie had never missed
her mothers love, or known a care in her
life.
M Nm Vaar'o law IL -, Iaax-a har
home for the first time to 90 to distant
place to school, and this party was her fare
well TO her friends.
1t was midnight. The music had been
transferred to the supper room, which was
filled to its utmost capacity, while the par
lors were entirely deserted, with the excep-
ton of Nellie and her father who had lin
gered there. They were busily talking
over the success of the party, when they
heard the door bell ring Not the usual
loud clang of the bell, but a little timid
frightened ring, not loud enough to disturb
the servants. l will go, papa, and she was
at the door before her father could say no.
1t vas open, and there stood ''only beg
gar, a child of about the same age as her.
self, miserably clad, with bare feet which
were almost frozen, and a hungry pinched
look in her face. II was nothing unusual,
such sight as her father saw almost every
day of his life, but it was different thing
to Nellie. She put out her hand and drew
the child into the warm hall. o! father,
what shall we do for her l should sly
she needed something TO eat, and paiI
Of shoes and stockings, said the practical
father.
They took her into little room secure
from all disturbance, and clothed and fed
her as she had never been clothed and fed
before, and sent a servant home with hel
carrying a loaded basket of provisions
Then they returned to the now well filled
parlor, the father to forget all about the
little incident in his busy life, and the
daughter to mix again with her younl
friends, but not to forget.
| A little while later and the last guest hai
departed, the lights are out, and the in
mates of the house are resting in sleep
all but one. Nellie cannot sleep. She turn
restlessly from one side Of the bed to tn,
other, she sees continually the little begga
girl, aud wonders if there are any more q
poor as she, and if there are, why other
who have so much do not make them com
Portable. She thinks Of her own beautiful
home, and the brilliant party she has jus
given, and then wonders if those destitut
little ones who have not enough to eat
nothing beautiful to look at, and no pleas
ures, are ever happy.
At last she falls asleep and dreams. 1
very pleasant dream it must be, for she i
smiling in her sleep.
The bright sun is shining into Nellie
| NH aha boz
ing. She lies still little while snioyin
the remembrance of her dream, and the
hastily rising she makes preparations +
join her father at the breakfast table, say
ing softly to herself, will have anothe
party tonight. On entering the breakfas
room she cannot wait for the usual good
mo- ming, but running to her father, sh
puts both arms around his neck and kiss
ing him says, in . whisper, say yes, papa
before ask you. What is it, Nellie,
new dress or pair Of bronze boots o
pshaw papa say yea, quick, and I'll tel
you. Well then, a. l am curious to know
and a. it is Christmas day, must say yes
l suppose. What 10 it, pet
! am going to have another party to
night, papa, and / want johnson to wor
for me all day. He will, know, she said
turning and smiling at the servant VIII
waited upon the table.
| Why my child, / cannot allow you TO d
that. Do you know il would be very i'm
proper to have . second party tonight
Your friends would al laugh at you.
But, papa, do not mean che same kim
Of . party, it viii be very different
shall not ask any Of those Who were hsr
last night. ! want il for the bsggaEs VII
never have any parties, like the little yin
who came last night. Do plsasa, papa,
am going away next week, you know, an
l want it 80 much There were tears i
Papa'a eyes he was thinking ahe il YER
like her mother, but hs only said do .
you like pot, and turming 10 the smilin
seFvsnt. said. Jon aEs ID the ssfvios of Mia
Msllis al day, Johmnsn.