The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1878-01-09
HUNGRY" ON CHRISTMAS DAY.

HUNGRY ON CHRISTMAS DAY
? On the afternoon of December "a
1877, though the light was fast fail
ing, a weary looking little lady ga
close at her window, painting rapid,
yet carefully as she finished deli
cate miniature portrait on porcelain
for she was employed by one of oul
largest photograph galleries, at tha
time just in the beginning of its ex
istence. E:'# t".d 4h A-'sf''
Two children played lovingly anG
merrily at a table near, her room was
unusually pleasant and comfortable
looking. her own dress and children s
good aud suitable there seemed nc
cause. for the look Of sad and weary
care upon her face-but this little
woman was one who loved her neigh
Dor and consciously lived for others,
and these were her thoughts: ="
W Il have not seen my young neigh
bors for nearly a week until to-day,
and then the husband looked so pale
and thin! fear they are in trouble,
and yet | hardly dare venture in.
Oh, this life in large cities is cruel
Where they pack us, so utter stran.
gers, in separate rooms adjoining,
and we know nothing of each other!
Our neighbors on the other side OF
the partition may be dying OF grief
amt loneliness, or want, while7we are
careless and gay, until some morn.
ing the. jani,or comes in with a
scared face to say that the man in
the. next room is dcad-dicd IN TIL,
night alone-his body lies there on
the other side of the wall. Oh, it is
too horrible! Such a thing happened
once in this house before came to
it. 1t must not happen again!
will get paid to-day for this picture,
and when the children are asleen I
will run round to the market and
buy turkey with all the accompani
ments, and then ] will invite Mr.. and
Mrs. Wilson to eat with us to.mor
row, and / will learn if they are in
trouble .Hs 90 ill.,
at Inspired by kindly thoughts, she
worked faster than ever, and soon
the last touch was gently placed, the
miniature rigidly scrutinized, and
with a satisfied smile wrapped up.
Then telling the children to gettheir
coats and hats, they all three has
tened away to the photograph gale
ry. Only one young clerk was there
having been left in charge while the
others went home earlier than usual
MIR Poser expected you" said he,
"and told me, when you brought his
"ife's picture, to shut mp the place
and bring it to his house. Said he
knew you wouldn't disappoint him
you never do" @a 2
"M here is the house, Johnnie? |
might take it myself-and get paid"
she added, mentally. -
''Up in Fortieth street-but you
hadn't better take it, Mrs. Lenox, for
be has a party tonight, and l live
near there
every well, Johnnie; don't undo
the package; if you take it from the
box, it might get broken."
"Oh, I'll look out. Merry Chist-
mas, Mrs. Lenox; l won't see you
tomorrow" a
SHERRY Christmas, Johnnie; l
shall not forget you on tile 26,h."
She turned sadly away and went
slowly home with the children, try
ing to share their enjoyment of the
brilliantly beautiful shop windows.
where so many things were displayed
that she would like to own. But
she scarcely thought of that, her
disappointment in not getting the
expected $40 that evening had quite
deranged her plans, for now no tur-
key could be bought. - ~
Laugh, mamma, laugh. Don't
be so STILL" cried out little Berthe, as
he glanced up at her sad face. The
mother smiled to please him, a ten.
der, loving smile, such as an angels
face might wear, and both the chill