Bradford opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1874-1881, 1876-12-23
MI. CarQWGllS Christmas Cameo.

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Mr.. CarlWGlIS Christmas Cameo.
1t was lovely present; rare, dar
cameo pendant for his watch chain. Th
carving was very fnc, and the design o.
exquisitely cut figure of "Charity.
Mrs. Cardwell had selected it from
choice collection, and she felt sure he
husband would be pleased with the gift
She was right. for when he opened th
little case beside his plate, on Christ
mas morning, his face lighted up will
pleasure, and she felt sure he appreci
ated The "good will that had prompt
ed it's choice.
"It is beauty, Winnie, dear, so mp
propriate, too, for the season. Charity.
shall treasure the gift highly, md 're
member the giver,'" he added, kissing
his wife and fastening the pendant OF
to his watch chain at once.
- Try to remember her admonition
and don't iose N,,thon, Mr.. Careless,
returned kia wife, who knew only tot
well hef husbands needless habit o
dropping things around. "Are yor
quite sure the ring is secure now 2" she
asked, noticing the haste in which Mr.
Oardwell had arranged the cameo on tt
his chain.
"Yes, quite secure. I'm going to
wear it down to Harry's, and I'll be
back in time for church," and kissing
his wife again, Mr.. Cardwell went out
gayly whistling Christmas carol.
"St. Philips" was elaborately
trimmed with greens that season, and
Mr.. Cardwell thought the continuation
of the text over his pew, "Charity, u
was very apropos, for he nodded and
smiled to his wife as the word met his
eye. His expression changed very
quickly, however, few moments after,
as, looking down to examine his watch
chain, he discovered the cameo pendant
had become detached from tho ring
and was gone! Notwithstanding the
sermon was most eloquent one, and
the music very beautiful, gIr. Cardwell
found his mind wandering during the
services, hoping ho should be fortunate
enongh tn find his poudarae at homo or
at his brothers., upon his return.
cit is too bad, Winnie" he exclaim-
ed, upon learning that there had been
nothing seen of his cameo, either at
homo or at his brother Harry's. "I
meant to be so careful of it, being your
gift, and to think should lose it before
it was in my possession day l shall
put it in the Lost column Of the paper
at once, and hope it may meet the eye of
an honest finder !"
Mover mind, dear, don't worry over
it; perhaps some one has picked it up
who will divine it has been present,
and will return it to you."
ave will have the charity to hope
so at least" returned Mr.. Cardwoll,
who felt, nevertheless, very doubtful
over ever seeing again his pretty cameo.
"Lost. On Christmas morning, in
the neigbborhood of st. Philips church,
gentleman's cameo pendant, figure
Charity The finder will be literally
rewarded by leaving the same at 1922
Walrod street.
81 thought it would be advertised,
and this is the identical article" said
Jack Somers, as he laid down his paper
a few mornings after, and took from
his poeket a little paper, out of which he
unwrapped ga cameo pendant, figure
Charity" GA Christmas present, no
doubt how sorry the poor fellow who
lost it must feel Charity, is it? Pretty
figure, neatly cut too. I'll just drop a
line to No. 1922 Walrod street, and say,
upon describing property, etc.-no, 1
won't, either I'll take it there myself,
on my way down to the oflice,' and
jumping up from his bachelor breakfast,
after short walk, Mr.. Jack Somers was
soon ringing the bell at 1929.
ga thousand thauks, my dear sir,
for the return of this cameo" said Mr..
Cardwell, when he received from the
gentlemans hands his lost present. "A
little Christmas present from my wife,
only an hour or SO before 1 dropped it;
you will accept the reward offered, Of
course; yes-yes-you can give it away
again, to some church or mission school;
a charitable offering, you know-ha,
ha !" and Mr.. Cardwell laughed heartily
over his miserable little pun, aud in
sisted upon Jacks taking the bill,
which he did, to end the ridiculous lit
tie scene.
"Soms church or mission school,"
repeated Jack, as he went down the
brown stone steps, stufling the money
in his vest pocket. elm sure 1 don't
know which one. Hello there's Briggs,
our old ianitor, he'll be sure to know
I say, Briggs, wait q min
ute, he called out to gray haired old
gentleman who was briskly walking on
down the street, swinging his cane.
"Good morning, Mr.. Jack; q happy
New Year; it's not too late yet to wish
it," and the old gentleman's s face shone
with good nature and perfect health, as
be stopped in his walk.
"Thanks; bat, Briggs, you always
used to know some worthy and respec-
table family who were suffering, and
Ill that sort of thing. Tell me Of one
now, who would like ten dollar bill
his morning."
"Bless me, Mr.. Jack, how you start
ed me. I was Just wishing l knew
where to turn to find some assistance
or very, not only worthy and respec-
able but really interesting and lovely
mother and daughter, who are in need.
Father died not long since; mother very
lick, galloping consumption; daughter
orced to support both herself and pa
'ent with her needle; slow and hard
work, but all she could get here, being
IN entire stranger in the place; circum-
tances very straitened; poor and proud,
and silent; and was just this
moment wondering to myself how 1
'ould raise the money to send them. an
coal, -four and lights, for
he rest of the winter, when your pro-
,osal answers my thoughts like voice
rom heaven" and Mr.. Briggs ended
lis long recital quite out of breath.
"My dear Briggs" cried Jack, warm