The Democratic advocate., 1876-01-01

leJly WIN ner Httle one, OF IN acts Ol
e aud mercy.
The guests were all gone. The tiresome
' was nearly over. Gertie had thrown
self wearilv into an arm chair. There
s no longer need for assembling; the
ced smiles could die away; she could
t and weep. The children had been
de happy. Her father had given oil
re her the New Year presents. She had
cared for any; but she had held a
gering hope that he might come to her
III word that would break the long
,nce, that she might plead anew with
n.
Foster had closely watched his
lid, us she did with so much dignity
d grace, the honors Of his elegant estab-
hment. And he saw, through the mask
, wore, never so plainly was visible the
anges that the last year had wrought in
T beautiful face.
When he saw her sink so wearily into
, chair, his heart smote him, and he
Mt out quickly. Possibly he feared,
1uld he linger, he might grow weak and
ent.
IGertie heard the hall door close, and
knew her father had gone out for the
ming, likely.
How long she remained she knew not,
aiming. Not sleeping dreams were
y. Her mood of depression had taken
Ss, and she was smiling gently, sweet
] Visions of happier times were before
cautious step approached. She heard
itet moved not nor opened her eyes.
Slwished not to throw off the sweet in-
h'Cc WHICH was UNeT neT.
e, her father, bent gently, lovingly
ovher and murmured:
She is sleeping and happy now, Ger
tic he called softly.
father, I've not been sleeping" she
anered softly.
thought you were, and dreaming
was dreaming happy dreams-vain,
Aeeg visions" she said, her voice filled
witsadness.
lave you forgotten your New Years
gift was to bring you, Gertie?" he
ask,
80, sir, l thought you had. Have
you ought me one p she asked, forcing
a sh of interest.
as, little daughter, | have brought
it; lave never for q moment ceased to
thinif it. 1t has been subject of much
weig You left it to my decision, and
wish to be sure of pleasing you. Now
put pr arms around me, and give me a
kiss-,ne of Gertie's old loving caresses--
and en- go. Look in the library and
find pur New Years gift," her fathel
said ; whole frame trembling with emo
tion.
ShFas again child, clinging lovingly
aboutim; forgetting for the time all he
father efforts to please her. She knew
not W. it was, but she saw and felt hi
agitatp; and she strove t. calm ant
happy.
"6now darling; you are still my owl
Gerti.
"le, yes, papa; your own Gertie," shC
said, viii another caress.
sone one will soon rob me Of IN,
darliIg, he said, smiling sadly.
soi likely, papa" she answered
thinking II shall never leave him. oh
why will he not relent2'
Sh opened the door, passed through
the lall and entered the library. Th
fathe stained his ear to catch the sounC
Of jopus surprise. He hears it. 1t fall
On hi ear and sinks into his heart, and h
"(onel Mine no longer y
SEEKING her fathers gift, she raised her
there, standing before her, hi
rmsput forth to welcome her, was Harr,
land,n.
Shl could not realize the great joy
was to much. She dared not accept i
Aud, Withdrawing herself from his encil
,ling arms, she said:
Come, 4" come to father! Can he mea
hat We shall be happy3"
Knseling before him, she asked hetwee
ears and smiles:
"Do you mean--Oh, father, speak
Tell me what it is2
"Gertie's New Years gift-her father
choice. Have | succeeded in pleasin
you, eh, little one ?"
"0h, father the best the dearest fatht
hat ever a girl possessed. What can W
DO to make him happy?"
Why, darling, l am now very happ.
1t comes very suddenly with my resol'
to make others so,' answered Andre
Foster, placing his child's hands in h
lovers.
We may give our gifts, of things ric
and rare--jewels bright and pure--b
the best of all are those of Love, Mer,
and Forgiveness. Those should be o
"New- Years" gifts.
CHALK.-Most people looking at Il
substance would take it to be sort
:. A