Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1876-01-06


, Soddenly tee lIlfI y Snii,
ssfis6sd, and nestli6 no1;nn1
arms u his .neW>Go~ &
Jack peered down = q.
i Good bye, Tous1
good man thst mor
tie children to hsnve -
with him. Don't Yo1 E
! e =: =: I'D sssa IT,!
ilne IL child : y : = I II - =
under the sun does The young one mean!
Whatever made you say that, youne
man 70
Tommy gave a vigorous pull to one
Of the feet hanging down, and told
Jack that be was baby and no mis-.
take. accompanying HE remark with q
nervous little cbuckle. Harry Burns
crossed over to the quieter side Of tbe
street, to avoid the curious looks that
were beginning to be cast ut him, and
setting the child on his feet, said /:
"Let us see who will be ct that cake.
shop hrst." And, suiting the action to
the word, he started on a brisk run
Graspiny Jacks hand in his, Tommy
followed, aud half dragging him, ar.
rived minute later at the door of the
shop. Into the bakery walked Burma,
followed by the boys, with their ewes
quite round aud bright, and staring
hard at the piles of sweet things. A
large parcel of goodies was soon selec.
ted, and down the street they started
again. This time bat store was the
stopping place; and lifting each young.
ster on high stool, Burns commenced
trying on hats. A little Scotch cap
put Jack into state If ecstasy, and !
round sealskin made Tommy feel al.
most . man.
Of again; and in half an hour new
shoes, tippets and gloves had made their
old clothes assume twice the ragged as
pect they bad before worn. Little did
they care for the torn coats aud knee.
worn trousers. Hugging the bundle
contentedly, Tommy dragged bis brothe,
along after Harry. both Of them in q
state Of open-moutbed wonder. At
last they drew up at the door of the
circus, aud after getting the address of
their mother, he bought two tickets,
and saw them march proudly into the
show. Many laughing eyes were cast
at the tiny couple, as they sat high on
a board bench, muncbing enormous
quantities of cake, and uttering long,
draws 6reashs VI sa1fT ir
Harry laughed softly nself -
he once more started on 4 Nav M.
town, and thought of the baskets Of
good thugs that should find their way
to the poor woman in the morning.
Before toy.shop be stood still min
ute, and waited for q chance to cross
tue crowded street.
Suddenly q sob caught his attention;
and turning quickly he saw little girl
standing by his side on the curb-stone,
and struggling hard to restrain the tears
of fright rs she peered anxiously among
the many vehicles that lined the road.
way. Only four or five years old, her
tiny face yet bore marks Of extraordi.
nary beauty and self-composure. The
little teeth we're set close in the effort
to restrain a cry, and one hand brushed
the swift-falling ow.fakes away from
her eyes. A fur cloak hung loosely
around the small figure, and . Quilted
hood Of blue silk framed the scared
face. His voice made her start and
look up quickly, as be said:
"Want to go across, littie%ne Are
you all alone here I"
The voice was full Of tears that an
swered him.
"Oh, / think am afraid Mamma
got out of the carriage and went into
that store; and after she was gone q
minute, l remembered dolly 1 wanted,
and got out to ask mamma to get it. I
went over there to look in the circus:
and when / came back can't end nam.
ma or the carriage, and don't know
what to do"
Before she had finished, there was a
pitiful quaver in her voice, aud a de.
termined winking Of the eve lids. The
words and accent proved to him what
he had before thought to be the case.
that it vas a well-cultured and cared
for child to whom he was speaking.
ut seems to me that / am TO p.ay
beuefactor to all the younger portion
of the city," he said answering the won.
der in her eyes with . bright smile, and
a close pressure Of the tiny hand be
held fast in his own. They wandered
around the streets long while, peer
ing into the shops, and following car.
riages which the child seemed 10 re-
cognize. At last Mabel, who had Civ.
en- him so much Of her name, with more
TO follow, consented to 60 home with
him. and wait for the morning to find
her mother.
Her decision was hastened by his
proposing that she should play fairy.
godmotber, and distribute good things
innumeratle 10 his household. Mabefs
eyes danced at the prospect; and be
soon found himself at his own door.
with the child in his arms. By this
time the snow had fallen 90 fast that
her feet sank deep At every step; and
after many indignant refusals, be had
snatched her mp. and laughingly borne
the slaps her wee hands inflicted.
''What little vixen, to Be sure" be
exclaimed, n be gave the bell . rousine
pull and attempted to sseAl . kiss from
the rosy mouth. Renewed kicking and
baby laughter; and the stately butler
opened the door TO stare selennly at
the astoni.hing spectacle.
"william. send Ars. Jones 70 The k-
brary, and in half an hour 1t al The
servants come 70 that rooo-"
Shaking his head N Duss dSaSyso.