Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1879-12-26
THE CHRISTMAS GIFT.

Heavily, heavily fell the snow, covering
the dark brown earth already hardened ~
the frost, with pure white covering. AS
the rain falls alike upon the just and upon
the unjust, SO too the snow, Gods kindred
messenger, knows no distinction Of per-
sons, visiting all alike, forgetting none'
and passing by none.
In one of tho principal streets of New
York stood a boy of some twelve years.
His clothing was poor, and too scanty to
afford~a sufficient protection against the
inclemency of the season. Through the
visor of his cap, which had become de-
tached in the middle, having connection
only at the two extremities, might be- seen
his rich brown hair. Notwithstanding
the drawback of his coarse and ill-ftting
attire. it was evident that he possessed a
more than ordinary share of boyish beau
ty. But just at present his brow is over
cast with shade of anxiety, and his frame
trembles with the cold, from which he is
so insufficiently shielded.
It is handsome street, that in which
he is standing On either side he beholds
the residences of those on whom fortune
has showered her favors. Bright lights
CLEAN from the parlor windows, and shouts
of mirth and laughter ring out upon the
night.
All Is Joy and brightness and festivjty
within those palace-homes. The snow
flakes fall idly against the window panes.
They cannot chill the hearts within, nor
place a bar upon their enjoyment, for this
is Christmas Eve, long awaited, at length
arrived. Christmas Eve, around which
so many youthful anticipations cluster,
has enioyments peculiarly its own. oyer
which the elements, however bolsterous,
have no control. Yet to some, Christmas
Eve brings more sorrow than enjoyment,
serving only to heighten the contrast be-
tween present poverty and discomfort and
past affiuence.
But all this time we have left our little
hero shiyering in the street.
Cold and uncomfortable as he was. AZ
well as anxious in mind, for he had lost
his way, and knew not how to find il
again, he could not help forgetting bis
situation for the time in witnessing the
scene which met his eye, as for moment
he stood in front of a handsome residence
on the south side of the street. The cur
tains were drawn aside. SO that by sup
porting himself on the railing he had ar
unobstructed view Of the scene within.
1t was spacious parlor, furnished il
style elegant but not ostentatious. II
> the centre of the apartment was Christ
mas tree. brilliant with tapers. which wer'
cleaning from every branch aAd twig
Gifts of various kinds were hung upon tn
tree, around which were gathered groul
of three children. respectively Of eight, 81,
and four years. The eldest was a winsom
fairy, with sparkling eyes and daneinl
feet. The others were boys. who wer
making the most of this rare opportunit
Of sitting up after nine O'Clock. At lit
tie distance stood Mr.. Dinsmoor and hi
wife, gazing with unalloyed enjoyment a
the happiness of their children.
:. While Lizzie was INDUCING in expires
sions Of delight at the superb wax do
. which st. Nicholas had SO generously pre-
vided, her attention was for q momen
drawn to the window, through which sh
distinctly saw the figure Of our hero, wht
a. ve haye ss.d, bad IN biz sageFAnes