Huntington advertiser. [volume] (Huntington, W. Va.) 1874-1921, 1874-12-24

Twas the eve before Christmas; "Good-
night had been said,
d Annie and Willie had crept into bed,
There were tears on their pillows, and
tears in their eyes;
Ind each title bosom was heaving witt
sighs-
For ten !, t their stern fathers command
had been given
That they should retire precisely at seven.
Instead of at eight for they troubled him
more
yith questions unheard Of, than ever be-
fore;
He had told them he thought this delu-
sion a sin.
No such being as "Santa Claus" ever had
:. been,
And he hoped, after this, he should never
more hear
How he scrambled down chimneys with
presents each year.
And this was the reason that two little
heads
So restlessly tossed on their soft, downy
beds.
Egat, n.ne,. and the clock on the steeple
tslled ten;
Not aw RI had been spoken by either til
then,
When Y les sad face from the blanket
did peep,
And whispered, "Dear Annie, is 'ou fast
asleep?'
"shy, uc, br ther Willie" sweet voice
replied.
1--WE tried it in vain, but l can't shut my
eyes,
For, somehow, it makes me so sorry, be-
cause
Dear papa has SAID there is no Santa Clans
Nv we snow there is, and il cam, be de-
MED,
For he came every year before mamma
died;
But then, I've been thinking that she used
to pray,
And God wgn'd hear everything mamma
would say;
And perhaps she asked him to send Santa
Claus here,
nth tie sack full of presents he brought
everv year"
well, why tan't we pray dest as mamma
d tNe1.
And ask Dod to send him with presents
aden?"
"Ive been thinking so, too" And with
out word more,
Four little bar. icet bounded out on the
floor,
And four little knees the soft carpet
pressed,
And two tiny Is wers clasped else too
each breast.
"Now, Willie, you know We must firmly
believe
That the presents we ask for we're sure to
receive;
You must wat just as still till say q e
Amen,
And by that you will know that your turn
has come, then"
Dear "a Va on my brother
And gr"'1t us the favor We are asking of
Thee;
] want a wax dolly, tea-set and ring.
And an ebony work-box that shuts with a
spring.
Bless papa, dear Jesus and cause him to
see
That Santa Claus loves us far better than
he.
Don't let him get fretted and angry again,
At dear brother Willie and Annie, Amen"
"please. Desus, ct Santa Taus tum down
tonight,
And bring us some pesents before it is light.
| want he sould dive me a nice title sed
With bright shinin' runners, an all paint
ed yed;
box full OF tandy, book and toy,
en-, an then. Desus, III be dood boy ;
fheir PRAYERS boiug ended, they raised NJ
their heads,
And with hearts 'ght and cheerful, again
sought their beds;
They were soon lost in slumber, both
peaceful and deep,
And with fairies in Dreamland, were soon
lost in sleep.
gLt, nine, aud the little French clock
had struck ten,
re I e IA er had thought of his ch;ldre
again;
Te seems now to hear Annie's half sup
suppressed s;ghs,
nd to see the big tears stand in Willie's
blue eyes.
q, was hars.. with my darlirgs," he men,
tally said,
d : i t have sent them SO early
to bed;
ia, then | e1s troubled-my feelings
found vent,
rbaut .'.ci, to-day has gone down te
per cent.
3ut If curse ey've forgot their trout
les ere this,
Md that denied them the thrice asked
for kiss;
ut, ju-' :. re sure, I'll steal up T.
their door,
For | heter spJ,e harsh to my darling
before"
. saying, he s,ftly ascended the stair
arrived at tie door to hear both
their prayers.
Annie's ''hess papa draws forth th'
big tears,
Wiilie's grave promise falls sweet
his ears.
"arge, strange I'D forgotten" said t.,
with sigh,
w | longed, when 4 child, to ha
Christmas draw nigh"
l