The anti-monopolist. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1874-1878, 1876-12-21

would stay at home But he put
down the armful of books which he
was replacing on the shelves and came
across the room to her.
sWhy, my dear, unselfsh little
girl!" said he. Il think this is very
good Of you. l have been hoping you
would go, for something about that
letter made me sure they cared a
great deal about seeing you. I know
you will give them real pleasure,
1 wish you to do just as you pleased !;
but am SO glad you pleased to do
this
Papa was always kind, but he rarely
praised Patty as much as this, and she
thought it made up for her sacrifice.
Mrs. Redington was glad, too, when
she came home early in the evening !;
though she said they would all be lone
ly without Patty, and she could not
help saying there had never seemed to
be so many reasons for her being at
home. But she was very glad to have
her 60 to Aunt Janet and Aunt Katha-
rine, and Patty thought her mother
and father had never been so kind to
her before. It was lucky Aune Annie
would not come until just after she
had gone, for it would have been so
hard if she had seen her only little
while and she then said goodbye.
Wednesday at twelve O'Clock the
train started out Of the station carry
ing one sad little passenger, at least,
among all the crowd of happy people
who were going away or going home
for Christmas. Almost everybody had
baskets or bundles, and soon Patty
grew interested in Watching the faces
around her, and some of the people
watched her. Our friend was trig-
looking traveller /; and l know if you
had been sitting in the opposite seat
you would have wished you knew her
and wondered who she was. She had
on sealskin cap and jacket,
and brown cashmere dress.
with such pretty silk petticoat to
match, and her favorite little Roman
cravat ; and the bits of scarlet and blue
in this looked SO bright and pretty
against the dark browns. She had a
new book to read, if she choose; and
her mothers Christmas presents had
been new travelling bag and silk
umbrella, of which Patty was con-
scious, and which stood beside her, in
preference to having them put in the
rack overhead, where some one might
possibly think it belonged to the PEG.
pie in front. Though she felt dismal
enough du ring the first half-hour, she
did not look cross, only sorry. know
you would like Patty; her eyes were
so sweet and looked straig into yours.
The car was SO full that every seat
was taken. Patty's companion was
lady dressed in black with heavy
veil, so that one could hardly see her
face. After while she pushed it back;
and by and by Patty turned away from
the window and happened to look at
her. The lady did not notice her. She
was looking down and her eyes were
full of tears. ''Why, she must be 60
ing to have a worse time this Christ
mas than | am thought Patty, to
whom things were looking darker than
usual just then. And then she looked
round again. This time the lady look
ed up at her, with the kindest smile.
IL don't seem to be very merry. do
l my dear, said she. And l think
that you are sad about something, too.
We mustn't forget that tomorrow is
Christmas Day" and she reached her
hand over for Patty and held it close.
And then Patty said she had felt lit
tie lonely because her aunt Annie had
come by that time, and she was not
there to see her.
"Tell me about it dear, said the new
friend. And somehow Patty did not
mind it at all, though she was apt to
be little shy and reserved with stran.
gers. At the end she said:
"Please don't think that want to be
selfish, or that any Of my aunts are
not just as kind as they can be but
Aunt Annie is younger, and l do love
her best. know her SO much better.
And all the girls are so sorry, for there
are to be such jolly times this vacation
and they said that they should miss
me. But l am so glad that came away.
am truly
$50 am dear child" said the lady,
1t was very good of you; but l think
you don't care to be praised for doing
right. The best thing is to know it in
Ones own heart. am sure you will
h0 . q AORRy AAlSItAdSs I'D IL
that you care so much for your Aunt
Annie = This was asked softly. And
Patty answered, drawing little clos
er:
Il think it is because she helps me
to be good. But everybody loves Auut
Annie.''
The lady drew Patty's hand nearer
and held it In both her own.
II am so glad, dear. am trying to
be good too. II is very nice that we
found each other. l grew sad few
minutes ago. because I was thinking
of last Christmas. and how merry
somebody made it for me who has died
since then
lin SO sorry" said Patty. earnestly.
Il wish l could help you" And her
new friend smiled again. and thanked
her.
''You do help me. and we can ask our
Father to help US. Can't we, dearie 2"
said she. ''And think we shall both
have a happy Christmas. if not mer-
~ one