Wilmington journal., 1876-02-04

sitlve to cold, and shivered as b
walked along the pavement.
Yee, he said, my coat must 90,
know not how shall get along with
out it; but I cannot see my childre
starve before my eyes.
Ho was not in general an enviou
man, but when he saw the sleek. we
fed citizens, buttoned up to the throa
in warm overcoats. come out of bril-
liantly lighted shops, provided wit
pretty presents for happy children a
home, while his were starving. b.
suffered some bitter thoughts upoi
the inequality of gifts. to come to hi
mind. Why should they be so happ,
while he Was SO miserable?
There was a time, he remembers i
well, when he, too, suffered not tn,
Christmas Eve to pas without buy
ing some little gifts for Jimmy anC
Agnes. How little he dreamed tina
they should ever want breadl
There was one man, shorter thar
himself. warmly clad, who passed hin
with his hands thrust deep in hi,
pocket. There was a pleasant smile
upon his face. He was, doubtless
thinking of happy circle at home.
Robert knew him to be a rich cabi
net maker and upholsterer, whose
ample warehouse he often passed. He
had applied to this man two days be.
fore for employment, and been re-
fused. 1t was, perhaps, the thought
of the wide difference between them,
so far as outward circumstances were
that led Robert to follow him.
After awhile the traderman, Mr..
CIR mes, drew his handkerchief from
his pocket. As he did so, he did not
perceive that his pocket-bcok came
| out with it, but Robert did His heart
leaped into mis- mouth and sudden
thought entered hi. mind. Hs bent
quietly down and picked up the
pocket book. He raised his eyes to
see if the movement was noticed. It
was not. Mr.. Grimes went on, un-
needing his loss. This will buy bread
for my wife and children, thought
Robert, instantly.
A vision of the comfort which the
mcney would bring that cheerless
home lighted up his heart for an in
slant. but then-for he was not dishon-
est-then came another thought. The
money was not his, much as he want
ell it.
But cannot see my wife and chill
oA Gil SIdTfes DS aSalQ. II 1T lS
wrong to keep the money, God will
pardon the ofanse. He will under
stand my motive.
All this was sophistry, and he
knew it.
In moment he felt it to be so.
There was something worse than star
vatlon. 1t was his wife who said this
Just before he came ont. Could he
40 hnr ho
food SO obtained? I've lived honest
so far, he thought; I won't turn thief
now. 1t was with an effort that he
came to this decision, for all the while
it was before his eyes that vision of q
cheerless home, aud he could hear
Jimmy vainly aeking for food It was
with an effort that he stepped forward
and placed his hand on the trades
mans shoulder and extended the hand
that held the pocket-book.
Thank you, said MIR. Grimes, turn
ing around; 1 hadn't perceived ny
loss. 1 am much obliged to you.
You have rea ON to be, said Robert,
in low voice. I came very near keep
ing it.
That would have been dishonest,
SAID Mr.. Grimes, his tone altering
slightly.
Yes, it would, but it is hard to be
honest when one is penniless, and his
wife and children without crust.
Surely You and your children are
not in that condition said the trades
man, earnestly.
Yes. said Robert, it is only too true.
For two mouths l have vainly sought
for ork. 1 applied to you two days
since.
[ remember you now, thougt had
seen you before. You still want work
l should feel grateful for 1t.
My foreman left me yesterday. VIII
You take his place for $25 week?
Thankfully, sir; 1 would for half
that
Then come tomorrow, or, rather as
tomorrow will be holiday, the day
succeeding Meanwhile, take this for
present necessities.
He drew from his pocket some notes
and handed them to Robert.
Why, you have given me thirty dol
lars said Robert, in amazement.
know it. The pocket book contains
five Thousand dollars. But for you |
should have lost the whole. I wish
you a merry Christmas.
1t will, indeed, be a merry Christ
mas, said Robert, with emotion.
Heaven bless you, sir Good night.
Good night.
Jane waited for her husband in the
cold and cheerless room which for q
few days longer she might call her
home. An hour passed; there was
step on the stairs-her husbands. 1t
could not be, for this was cheerful,
elastic step coming up two stairs at
time. She looked eagerly at the
door Yes it was he. The door opeI
ed. Robert, radiant with JOY, entered
with a basket full of substantial FRO
visic MS.
Have you got some bread, father,
asked Jimmy, hopefully.
Yes, Jimmy, some bread and meat
from cooks shop; and here's q little
tea and sngar. There's a few Goals
left. Let's have a bright fire and a
comfortable meal, fo, please God this
shall be a merry Christmas.
How did it happen? Tell me Rob
srt.
SO Robert told his wife; and soon a
bright FIRE lit up the before cheerless
room, and there werefour happy hearts
that waited in joyful hope for the dawn
of a merry Christmas Day
The next week they moved to better
rooms. They have never since known
what it was to want. Robert found a
account in the savings bank, and has
heart, Gods goodness on that Christ
mas Eve.