Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1879-12-26

CHRISTMAS CAROLS.

OI1hlDl NJ D OAnOuc.
It was Christmas Eve al over the world.
In a thousand homes loving hearts, happy
or sad, were fillei with thoughts OF kindness
and sympathy and love-. Busy hands were
weaving offerings for the morrow, and busy
feet were hastening homeward to cheerful,
waiting fresides. In pleasant homestead
young girl ofsixteen was busily engaged
in adding the finishing touches TO some dain-
ty bit Of workmanship. She formed pretty
picture herself, as she sat curled up in the
deep window sill, where the fire-light, bright
ening in the twilight, flashed it, warm color
over her shining hair and delicate cheek.
Her soft dark eyes shone with subdued but
earnest light, and the little figure managed
the dainty material of her work with grace
full and def manipulation attractive to the
beholder. The beholder was greyhaired
man, who occupied the great armchair in
the window corner of the fireplace, and who
leaned upon his cane and watched the pretty
maiden, fair young Rosamond, at her work,
and smiled to think how like she was to
another Rossmond he had known, and loved
and buried, in the years so long gone by
keep cool watch, Grandpa" said the
fresh young voice. Don't let anybody scud
along your side 'unbeknownst, as Biddy
says. I'm so afraid Papa will steal march
on me. wouldn't have him 70 see this for
pretty. Isn't il bcautyf Won't he be
pleased with ity Come now, Grandie, dear,
don't look so solemn and owlish. It's
Christmas Eve. What are you thinkingiof
so deeply ?"
The old man looked up and smiled.
II was thinking Rosle, Oh nov Boou aYu
pleasant 1t is to have Christmas come, and 20
have one day in all the year on which there
is SO much good will. was thinking how
all these love gifts that we make to each
other, and all the kind feelings we have
toward one another, go to form a precious
love-gift to the Lord Of Christmas Indeed,
the peace on earth and good will TO man,
that prevails on Christmas Day is the "Glory
to God in the Highest"
"Thats beautiful, Grandie, dear" exclaim-
ed the young girl. ITS a genuine Christ
mas Carol. always did say that my Grand
pas Preside lectures were sermon and hymn
all in one. Oh, dearie me, here comes Papa
up the steps, With his arms full Of bundles.
Let me run" And gathering up her work
Rosamond went from the room.
At the same hour that Rosamond's papa
assembled the steps of his beautiful home,
another father entered the door OF an hum
BILE cottage not far distant. He bore no
Christmas bundles in his arms. His eyes were
sad and his manners detected. Before the
cheerful fire, whose ruddy blaze lit up the
small, low room, a young girl was kneeling
while she toasted slices Of bread for the even
ing meal.
ats Christmas Eve, Papa" she said with
a lively nod of welcome. "Stoop down and
give me good sweet, cool kiss this fire Ia
toasting my cheeks as well a. the slices.
Mamma Is putting Bud to bed. He went
sound asleep on the rug and Wouldn't wake
up. Tea is all ready. wish Harry was
here"
Maybe 1t was the cheerful fire warmth, or
maybe the bright young face and CHEEKY
tones of the little daughter that wrought the
charm-I only know that the sad eyes
Frightened to fond smile AZ the father look
ed lovingly into the face Of his child. The
room was cosy and comfortable, although
the furniture was plain and the adornments
of the simplest kind. The table was spread
for tea, and the cloth, cups and saucers, and
plates, were speckless and shining, and laid
with scrupulous nicely. The teapot sim
mered on the hearth, and within a smooth
oval Of hot ashes lay the mealy brown
Jackets that were TO form the evening meal.
The mother entered the room and greeted
her husband with Il smile. At the same
moment boyish voice was heard at the
door, and pair Of stamping feet on the
doorstep kept time 10 sort Of rude melody
that the boys voice sang TO the words;
Now it IL winter, and am discomfort
MY coat IL somewhat like an ugly rent,
| And all the snow from of the top Of the house
Camedown into my bosom -sqush-ker-souse
"Harry Minturn, you noisy youngster,"
exclaimed the girl, gaily, as she sprang TO
open the door, "why where have You been
You are covered with snoww
II should say So" said the boy shaking
himself
"Dame Hinkly's old slant roof avalanched
just as popped under the eayes--hence my
costchumo. don't care, it's Christmas Eve,
and I've earned fifty cents carrying bun
dies and have got two jobs for tomorrow.
Well have Christmas supper II we dont
have plum pudding and turkey dinner"
"Sh-sh,' interrupted his sister. "Get of
your coat and come 70 Tea. We've elegant
roast potatoes and toast"
Somehow the brave, CHEEKY boy, and the
equally bright and brave sister, made the
holnely room seem almost radiant, and the
sad-eyed father and patient mother sat down
70 the frugal meal with Christmas carol o.
thankfulnens In their hearts for the peace thai
was theirs in the gin Of their noble-heartet
children. True, they were poor and In sor'
trouble, but the trouble came not nigh then
in the same manner that Il had come To som
Of their neighbon. They had not ungrats
full, rebellious children 70 wiring their heart
' with anguish. And they chose 70 prais