The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1878-12-25
TIBBY AND TOSEY.

Kitty had been to tie charity ball, and
the charity ball was very fashionable
there was no doubt about that. Kitty
had eaten late supper, returned home
gone to bed and to sleep; there was no
doubt Of that. She recollected distinctly
throwing one shoe under the bed and
the other into g corner, saying "Good
night" to her own figure in the lookin:-
glass, twisting the figure of butterfly
till her fingers ached before she discov-
cred that it was not the gas-stopper, and
then laughing sleepily at all her mis-
takes. She even remembered the fist
dream OF her sleep, which was something
about Charity diamonds, chicken-salad,
lancers, and ice cream waltzes.
No; there was no doubt that she had
gone through all this; yet there she was,
staring in at the windows of the great
ballroom, and the ball was Just COM
mencing. Gould she have gone to sleep
on the window sill in some mysterious
manner. No; she was outside, and
holding on It to be, b.. i! f. aasnsD0oy
ooh, dear thou. t Kitty, mournfully,
Il must have ORA: +; ,,:me wine somehow
How strange 1t !. | wonder how I
came here! But what a cold hand holds
mine: It's not papa's, for it makes me
shlver. He must be horrid. I won't
look at him. Sop
There did not seem to be much need of
the resolve, however, for the person who
held her hand did not moye nor seem
to care whether she saw him or not, but
quietly looked in with her. So, at last,
like most girls, Kitty's curiosity got the
better of her, and she cautiously glanced
out Of the corners Of her eyes.
Beside her she saw an old man. His
beard and hair were long and white, and
dropped about his neck and shoulders,
like falling snow. Upon his head was
lightly placed crown, as of ost-work,
so delicate was its texture. Robes, dong
and dark, ana cold to look at, fell in
broad folds from his shoulders, and were
held to his waist by girdle Of twink
ling stars. He was gazing in at the bril-
liant assemblage with sad, melancholy
look upon his face.
Kitty looked at his robes.
How very old-fashionedr' she
thought; "and aged, very ased.'
Yes" murmured the old man; ''old,
very old"
Kitty started. He read her thoughts,
evidently. She was sorry now she had
thought it, he looked so sad.
"Who are you?' asked Kitty timidly:
"and why have you brought me here9"
u am the Cold Night" said the old
man, slowly turning his eyes toward her.
bis eyes were sharp and piercing, yet
full of kindness. And I have brou yht
you here that you might see how great
your charity is, for l heard this was a
charity ball"
EYES," said Kitty nervously.
II am friend of the poor" continued
the Cold Night; land I love to see char
ity." He looked pack into the ballroom
as he spoke. "You see all your friends
here2"
YES" said Kitty, Frightening up, and
gazing inside with something of proud
look. ''There's Florry Hall right before
the window now. She has those beaut;-
tul SOLITAIRE diamonds in her ears. Oh,
dear, how bright they look. wish had
them"
s'But you had the handsomest Dress"
said the Cold Nigh, sadly.
"Oh, yes" exclaimed Kitty, quickly.
It was Of the richest silk, and cost sever
al hu ndred dollars. Papa was 50 kind'
and was it bought for charity 9"aasked
the Cold Night.
why no." answered Kit in surprise.
"Foc me, of course"
but the ball is for charity9"
Kitty began to be bewildered by SO
much catechising; and she was much.
relieved when he led her away.
They descended to the grand entrance,
where he pointed out two little beggars,
boy and a girl, who fidiled and sang,
and asked penny of the rich people de-
scending from the carriages.
You passed them by to-night2'
YES said Kitty, ''but they are horrid
beggars." The Cold Night was silent,
and Kitty was afraid she might have said
something wrong, SO she added: ssAnd
common street fddlers.'
But the Cold Night said nothing.