Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1875-12-21
P0EIiEAL.
ANNIE AND wILLIEs PRAYER.

ANNIE AND wILLIE's PRAYER.
Twas the eve before Christmas, &c God night
had been said, n
Aud Annie aud Willie had crept into bed,
There were tears on their pillows, and tears
in their eyes,
And each little bosom was heavy with sighs
For tonight their stern fathers command
= had been given, ~
That they should retire precisely at seven,
Instead of at eight; for they troubled him
With questions unheard Of than over before
He had told them he thought this delusiOn n
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 !;
Eight, nine. and the clock on the steeple
toled tens
Not word had been spoken by either till
When willie's sad face from the blanket did
And whispered Dear Annie. is you fast
asisep?"
"Why, no, brother Willie," sweet voice re-
plies.
For, somehow, it makes ule so sorry because
Dear papa has said there is no Santa Claus :
Now we know there is, and il can't be de-
MED,
For he came every year before mamma died !;
But, then I've been thinking that she used to
pray,
And God would hear everything mamma
would say, @
And perhaps she asked him to send Santa
Clause here,
With the sacks full of presents be brought
every year"
"Well, why tan't we pay dest as mamma did
then,
And ask him to send him with presents aden?'
"Pve been thinking SO, too" and without
Four little bare feet bounded out on the floor.
And four little knees the soft carpet pressed,
And four tiny hands were clasped close to
each breast
''Now Willie you know we must firmly be-
lieve
That the presents We ask for we're sure to re-
ceive;
You must wait just as still till say the
amen
And by that you will know that your turn
has come them
Dear Jesus, look down on my brother and
nc,
Aud grant us the favor We are asking of Thee;
l wsnt a wax dolly, a tea-set and ring,
And an ebony work-box that shuts with a
spring;
Bless papa. dear Jesus, and cause him to aae
That Santa Claus loves us far better than lie.
Don't let him get fretful and angry again
AT dear brother Willie. and Annie. Amen Z"
"PleNse, Desus 'et Santa Taus tum down to-
night,
And bring US some presents before it is ligh, !;
want he should div me nice little apd.
With bright, shiny runners, and all painted
yed
A box full of tandy. book and a toy,
Amen. and then, Dssus. I'll be good boy"
Their prayers being ended, they raised up
their heads, tt.s
And with hearts light and cheerful again
sought their beds;
They were soon lost in slunber, both peace,
full and deep.
And with fairies in Dreamlaud were roaming
in sleep.
Eight, nine. aud the little French clock had
struck ten.
Ere the father had thought of his children
again;
BE seems now to hear Annie hall, suppressed
signs,
Aud to see the big tears stand in Willie.
blue eyes.
"T was harsh with my darlings," !" he mentally
said,
"And Should not have sent them so early to
bed,
But then was trOubled-ny feelings found
vent,
For bank stock to-day has gone down ten per
ceRt. ~ -
But of course they've fOrgst&their troubles
ere this
And that denied them the thrice-atked>fOr
kiss
But just to make sure, I'll steal up to their
door,
For never spoke harsh to my darlings be-
fore
So saying, he softly ascended the stairs.
And arrived at the door to hear both OF their
prayers.
His Annie's ''bless papa" draws forth the big
And rilIies grave promise falls sweet on his
"Strange, strange I'd forgotten" said he with
sigh,
'HOw lOnged, when child, to have Christ
mas draw nigh"
'1'll atone for my barshness." he inwardly
said, 81
..By answering their prayer. ero sleep in
my bed"
Then he turned to the stairs. aud softly wen.
down,
Threw of velvet slippers aud silk dressing,
gown
Dopned hat, Goa. and boots. and Was out in
the street.
millionaire facing the cold. driving sieet.
Nor stopped he until he had bought every