The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1875-12-25
Select Storp.
MISS HESlER'S CHRISTMAS GIFT.
A CHARMING CHRISTMAS STORY.

I" never in all Of my born days heard Of
such thing p said Miss Hester, rubbing her
spectaeles as il she meant to deprive them Of
their glasses, and wrathfully staring at On
open letter on the table. "Does the man
think | am fool" she continues, pushing
aside her untasted cup of tea, ''or does he
think am likely person to make a fool Of,
that he writes with such cool assurance to me?''
Miss Hester's angry interrogations were
addressed to nobody in particular except the
huge sleek cat which blinked lazily at his
mistress from the cosy depths of her pillow
armchair. The epistle which had disturbed
her mind to the length Of letting her toast
harden, her egg grow cold, and the beverage
so dear TO her become disagreeable looking
fluid, with whitish top, ran as follows;
d" Madam-As you are probably aware, the
child Of your deceased step. p.sster has been
living with an uncle--her fathers brother
since her mothers death. This gentleman
expired after o short illness, on Monday last;
and, Us he was bachelor, the little girl has
now no relatives that am aware Of, except
her mothers uncle-who lives in Scotland
and yourself, who are her nearest relatives.
was very slightly acquainted with the late
Mr.. Grahame, and, in default Of any other
arrangement, not liking to leave the child
among strangers, l have sent her to you.
She will arrive by the 6.40P. NJ. train. re.
main, madam, yours obedienty,
RoBERr ScoTT,
Miss Hester Lloyd" Solicitor"
That was all. The curt, plainly. written
sentences were to inform her OF hitherto
unknown, almost unheard.of relative, who
was about to be thrust upon her-for sup
port, perhaps, for the term of her natural
life.
"Arrive by the $40 train indeed ~ Miss
Hester went on, Indignantly, pouring the
milk into the sugar.basin. "To send strange
! never did hear of SUCH Miss Hsster's
feelings Of mingled amazement and indigna
ton de6ed the ordinary powers Of speech to
give them utterance.
She was an honest and just woman, tho
stern and strict one-some people added
"sour, hard, and forbidding," to their esti-
mate Of Miss Hester Lloyd's character.
Margaret Grahame did not ask me to
look after her child when she died, !" she said,
gloomily; "she thought any one would be
kinder to her than the cross old maid, her
& step-sister. Well, am sure did not want
to interfere-on it is hardly likely | shall
take her now, when she is sent to me merely
because she has nowhere else TO go. Her
mothers uncle may take her If he likesi my
house shan't be made convenience for any
one. Yea, that man Scott-whoever he is
he knew I'd refuse il he gave me time, and so
he packed the child off to me without saying
as much as "By your leave" The impu-
dence of those lawyers |"
claws abovei you've never tasted bite
4 o. breakfast, ma ma, cried Miss Lloyd's SER
want, ali angular hard faced woman, very like
s her mis- ress, whose indignant soliloquy she
f had interrupted by her entrance to clear away
the breakfast equpage. "Why, you've never
took your toast and, my goodness there's
your egg, and they thruppenee couple, and
-" She stopped in her high.toned key Of
petulant remonstrance, and her grim mouth
drooped and softened, and her hard gray eyes
grew anxious. Mistress, have you heard
bad newsT'
"No, no." said Miss Lloyd, sharply; "but
\ have got yexatious, impertinent letter,
Patience, and feel so put out. There, there
take the things away"
Bat Patience, whose name was q misnomer,
4 If ever there was one, had no notion Of being
thus sunmarily dismissed, her curiosity all
ungratifed; she knew her mistress temper
thoroughly, and treated her more unceremo-
niously than any Of the lady's own aequaint-
ances presumed to do. They were old friends,
Hester Lloyd and her stubborn, hot-tempered'
faithful maid.
Patience had been with her in the deepest
trials of her loyeless, lonely life, and soothed
and sympathized with her when none else on
earth did; and she had her reward, for, Il
Miss Hester loved and trusted any human be
ing on earth, she loved and trusted her SER
want Patience.
The latter stood impatiently balancing the
breakiast-tray in her hands, and staring at
her mistress, who, in her turn, was frown'ng
st the Gre.