The Portland daily press., 1875-03-06
Harry's Wait: A Bit of Be-
lated Christmas.

.a ldUtu OuI tSblutSs
The snow flakes were holding high carni-
val. Down they came, rolling and tossing,
scrambling along in their mad haste to be first
TO greet mother earth. Whipering and
laughing, hailing each other with a gentle
touch, the tiny white fairies fell softly on tree
and rock on stately spire, and lowly cottage.
Even in the crowded streets the merry sprites
held full sway, and demonstrated in their own
peculiar way the equality of mankind. Alike
on the shivering form of the beggar and the
fur mantle Of the lady they nestled, and
peeped merrily round at each other. Dropping
In little cold patches on the bare feet of suf
fering humanity, they yet found entrance to
the well-wrappec mortals, and crept lovingly
even into the muff of My Lady Splendid.
They seemed to have taken this merry Christ
mas Eve for their own property, and to be
dlsputing the right of people to single inch
of outdoor space. They should have been
escorted by wind and bitter cold to have sue
ceeded, and instead, they answered the mer-
ry shout of the boys by gentle rush at the
rosy cheeks, which only sufficed to make them
more rosy still. -..
All the world was in the streets. The shops
were crowded with purchasers of all classes
and stations; and wagons filled to excess
chased wildly round the corners after their
fleeing horses. Even the poor were out.
Tired mothers, with single coin held tight
In the hard, rough hand, and eager eyes
counting the many little ones, and the few
pence that could be spared to make them hap
by. Many there were who stood hopelessly
watching the hurrying crowds around them,
who had not even bread, or place to lay
their weary heads.
Harry Burns paced sorrowfuliy up and
down his warm, lighted library, and felt him
oalf o,,1 81 a.
could have felt that evening. So much and
yet so little! With every luxury of life at com
mand, with an ample fortune, a handsome
face, and fine stalwart figure, he was yet
poorer than the little newsboys who crept to
their scancy beds that winter night. Abso-
lutely alone! Not near relative in the wide
world. His parents had died when he was
but a child, leaving him and little sister to
the care of maiden aunt, A few years, and
the faithful aunt had followed; and years still
later, but all too soon, his sister, his last link
OF blood, had gone after the others to the 81
leRt land, leaving only little mound of earth
under willow, and c.osed and darkened
room in the great house.
Only twenty-five, and not an eye that
would tighten at his coming, not a voice To
call him dear. Always reserved and quiet, he
had never made an intimate friend, and
he was rather feared by the few that knew
him. Sadly, on that Christmas Eve of the
swift-faling snow-tiakes, he looked round the
pretty room, and wished it peopled with pleas
ant faces and happy voices. After little the
thought STRUCK him that he might at least
give presents to the domestics; so with his
face Frightening wonderfully, he gave the
bell such hearty pull that it brought the
servants TO their feet in wonder.
''Run quick, Thomas" said the good
h0nsp-kapnar setting dOun har oun hastily
and looking little frightened at the energy
of the summons. Tom otherwise "Boots,"
needed no second bidding, and went up the
stairs and into the library at double-quick
rate. With face full of mischief his usu-
ally dgnited master pointed his finger at the
lad said: 1880
''Quick, you rascal, ask Mrs. Jones to come
to me, and don't lose minute"
Down the stairs, three at time, wen
"Boots," and burst into the kitchen like an
avalanche. s--l
"Master have got grin like Cheshire cat
on, andhe is wanting Mrs. Jones on the min
ute.' IL
''Stop your impudence, and give your mes
sage properly" said Mrs. jones', is she gath
cred her voluminous skirts around her, and
displaying a large foot and stout ankle started
up stairs with bewildered face Never had
such thing happened before, and she feared
that the unusual summons might mean trou-
Bile. In answer to her knock she received per-
mission to enter; and with cap-ribbons all
awry from her haste in ascending the stairs,
she stood before her young master A glance
at his face dispelled her fears, and left her
more mystfied than ever. A ringing laugh
startled what little composure was left in the
good dame, and gave her the terrible suspicion
that trouble had made him crazy.
ZONES n mi fyrn or
three hours this EVENING""
She fairly gasped for breath at bis astound-
Ing courtesy, as she signified her willingness
to work all night for him If necessary.
.'But it is not question of work. Some
tricky spirit has put it into my head to give
the servants presents; and without your val
liable assistance, shall be at a stand-still. /
could never select the proper articles; SO if
you will order the carriage, and come out
with me, we will find pretty and useful things
for all my household"
Between surprise and delight, she was ut
terly unable to speak word, and at his re-
quest she fastened below to give the orders
for the carriage. Admitting glances the maid
servant cast at her gorgeous bonnet and i'm
mense old-fashioned muf, as she went out
proudly, and enjoyed the honor of being
handed in by her master. The silence of the
little group was broken by Boots" who
turned double somersault and said:
"Oh, my eye; believe he has eloped with
her p -
He was assisted to an upright position in a
rather forcible manner, by the butler, and
confined himself afterwards to sundry mysteri-
oas mods and winks, indicative of great pri-
yate knowledge and dissatisfaction.
Into and out of the well-lighted stores went
the strange couple, drawing many curious
glances to themselves at their comcal dissim-
larity, and still more ridiculous purchases.
Harry would insist upon buying everything
hat could be of no possible use to the recipi-
nt and Mrs. Jones divided her attention
between ordinations of delight and hearty
aughter over his many mistakes. OF what
erVice real-lace handkerchief would be to
he kitchen-maid she could not tell; but he
eemed to think it perfectly appropriate, and
urveyed the gorgeous picture ON the box with
vivid satisfaction.
At last every one had been remembered
md amply provided for, and Mrs. Jones at
empted to get into the carriage. Easier said
han done. They had kept on putting into it
packages of various sizes, until there was lit
orally no room lett for her portly form TO
occupy. After disembarking halt of their car
90, Mrs. Jones crowded in, and Harry piled
parcels around her, until nothing was visible |
put her round face and yellow bonnet, and |
me huge muh perched high above the bundle |
hat reached nearly to her chin.
No use of my trying to come" he laugh |
ngly said, as be surveyed the interior with |
Indlsgulsed amusement. ''Have the things
aiken to the library, and will soon be home" |
And lifting his hat courteously to the old |
woman, he drew his cloak tight around him
md walked away. A little farther up the |
treet he saw the flaming lights1 and brilliant
posters of circus, and as he neared the |
heard one little fellow repeat to a |
arger one his wish that he might 60 in.
us 60 in! l amt had any supper, and |
won't get none, so don't see as can get in |
here" answered the boy, a. the same time |
ooking wstfullv at the warmly dressed chill
iren who were crowding in the doorway.
Poor little fellow, are you hungry?' and |
KIND band was lald gently on the bare
read Of the urchin. He looked up, startled.
md met the serinus paze of Harru P.z..a,