Ashtabula telegraph. (Ashtabula, Ohio) 1874-1880, 1878-12-27
CHRISTMAS STORY.
BIZ AMELIA rHRoPP.

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He resided in the beautiful city Of Phila-
delphia, where he was well and favorably
known. Near his place of work lived
young, pretty, fAir-haired girl by the
name Of Mary Foster; she was industrious
bdy and modest, William Jones woOed
and won the lovely girl, and in the Spring
when nature was at its height Of beauty
and loveliness they were married, Will
liam rented a neat little house in pleas
ant locality and all bid fair for happy
life. Their homo was tsstefnlly furnished,
and showed evidences OF the most careful
housekeeping combined with great taste,
the flowers bloomed in the windows and
the cheerful hearth was ever elesn and
bri. ht. In due time little one added
much to their happiness. She vas beau
tiful golden haired fairy-like little creature,
the admiration Of all. Little Emily was
tender and sensitive, gentle and loving,
and her dOting mother was very careful
lest the storms of life should deal roughly
with her. Mary was eontented and happy
and began to Plan a pretty cottage Of their
own in the suburbs of the city, whers't they
could have little garden and nice yapl
with jassimins and roses. Alas whats
myth it was destined to become. Oh, the
land of the future with its singing birds
and laughing fountains, who hath ever
found itP
Presently clouds began to gather over
their bright domestic sun. William began
to be out at night and neglect his pretty,
attractive home. At frst he gave evasiVe
answers and Mary was willing 70 give him
the benefit Of every doubt, until to doubt
was no longer possible, and it was evident
to all be was becoming the slave to rum.
In vain poor Mary entreated and begged
him to stay at home, and little Emily would
put up her rosy little mouth to be kissed
and say, dear papa stay with me. Oeca-
sionally these words would prevail, but his
evil companions and love Of liquor
triumphed. Finally he would return on
saturday night without his weeks wages
and have no money for his family. His
wife was forced to part with article after
article Of furniture. At last poor William
went hesdlong to Obstruction. His wife's
tears and chiId's earesses did not stop his
downward course. on he went until death
took him to last home
After the funeral expenses were paid
Mary found little left, and found to her
surprise William in his drunken career was
much in debt. She sold all she had. to pay
of, and began to support herself and child
with her needle. Sickness prevented her
making much headWsy, and things grew
worse and worse until she was reduced to
absolute poverty. She rented snattic and
owing to its diseomforts little Emily was
taken i'll, and what few articles she had
left Of any worth wers pawned to get her
some scanty comforts. She had no reia-
tives to go to, both her and her husband
being foreigners. Sensitive and proud, shs
would not beg.
It was drawing near Christmas, the
whole world wSs rejoicing, and Mary was
anxious to have some comforts for little
Emily. Christmas eve she returned a
quantity of work, expecting pay, but after
close examination, she was told to take it
back and when finished she would be paid.
Poor Mary's heart sank within her, and
taking little Emily by the hand, started
forth. As she passed one of the fashion
able streets she saw through the brightly
lighted house Of Mr.. Clark, the banker,
the richly furnished parle-s, whilst a mag
niicent Christmas tree bent its branches
beneath the weight OF beautiful toys and
offerings for the little children of the
house. Little Lettie much resembled
Emily in appearance, the only contrast
being the difference between the child Of
poverty and that Of wealth. How lovely
it looked inside, what an air of abund-
snee and comfort the picture presented,
whilst in the back parlor, bright hearth
fire threw its ruddy beams across the room.
Mary sighed deeply and pressed on, glad
that the little shiyering creature was not
tall enough to see. Emily's cold, mamma,
said the sweet childish voice at her side,
very cold, and the little frame shiyered.
Poor Mary took her into store and asked
if she might warm her. The clerk kindly
led her to the heater, and seated her.
Twice as he passed he paused to look at
the pretty little creature as her large visit
full eyes wandered around the place. AT
last he said, little one what is the greatest
happiness do you thinkP To be always
warm, she sweetly replied. They started
out, and as they were crossing one Of the
streets, they we're nearly run over by the
elegant carriage of Mr.. Clark, whose chill
dren had been out seeing the sights and were
hurrying home before it became late. Little
Lettie pressed large doll to her heart
and her merry laugh rang gsily on the air
as they dashed by. This did not escape
Emily who exclaimed amidst the pangs of
hunger and cold, whilst the wind whistled
through her old brown shawl, Mamma did
you see the dolly the pretty little girl had,
wasn'tit splendid Will KrissKrinkle bring
me one. Does he forget some good little
girls, mamma? Mary replied not Sobs
checked her utterance. She sped quickly
up the wooden steps, to her garret, which
tottered beneath her weight. They entered
the uncarpeted room, pallet of straw in
one corner, broken stove and an old
wooden chair, and table in the center con-
stituted the scanty furniture. On the rick
ETY. table stood 8 pitcher and glass. Is
there any milk, mamma? said Emily.
Enily's so hungry. Ny God have pity
exclaimed the widow, and quickly seating
herself and lighting the tallow candle, began
her work. Little, Emily seating herself al
her side on the bare floor. If Emily will be
good mamma will hurry, It won't take
long and take this work back and get some
money and she shall have some fire and
bread. 1 will be good, am not very cold
The wind blew through the crack;
and down the chimney and underneath the
door, Mary drew Emily nearer, and on
went the weary fingers. The lower part Of
the house was occupied by an Englishmsn,
who in the morning going to Mary's dool