The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1879-12-31
morrow's pies in brisk and cheerful

-, - - 80 :
Up stairs, in her pretty room, little
Bessie's cares were all forgotten in soft
child-like slumbers. Moonbeams flooded
the chamber with soft radiance; and the
good God sent a bright and happy dream
to cheer her heart. She felt the soft
arms Of her mother enfolding her as
away in dream-land they wandered To-
gether. The sweet familiar voice sounded
again in her ears, singing the songs and
rhymes of her childhood. The bright
smile beamed upon Bessie even fonder
than in the past. Fields of brilliant
flowers were spread out before the de-
lighted gaze Of the child; and as the per-
fumed zephyrs swept over them, they
nodded their heads as if bidding her
welcome. Pretty birds darted chipping
and twittering from bush to tree; but
sweeter than song OF birds was the
mothers voice to the happy child as she
spoke words Of comfort and cheer. Peace
stole into her young heart, and she felt
strong and comforted. n A
sunbeam shining on Bessie's pillow
awoke her, and the dream faded mistily
away, seeming to leave a sweet melody
and fragrance behind. "Oh, it was
lovely Christmas dream" she cried,
starting up in bed; then her eyes opened
wider as she looked wonderingly around.
Her little room was all trimmed and fes-
TONED, with evergreen wreaths hung in
the windows, beside her bed stood
white rosebush with one perfect flower
and bud just bursting into bloom, and
hearing musical note she looked around,
and there on little stand was birdcage
containing yellow canary bird. She
was out of bed in moment talking to
her new pet. Here was something to
love, better a thousand times than doll'
or toys. "Tweet," sang the bird, cooking
his head on one side, and looking at
Bessie with his bright black eyes, "Tweet
you beauty" sang Bessie back again.
"Good old Santa Claus! you didn't for
get me after ALL" A knock at the door,
and "Merry Christmas, Miss Bessie"
"Merry Christmas to you," said Kath-
lene and Bridget in the same breath.
They were both smiling, as the little girl
said afterward all over their faces. "You
did it! You did itp' cried the child; and
springing into Kathlene's arms, she gave
her a hearty hug and kiss, and then pro-
ceeded to bestow the same on Bridget.
The delight of the simple-hearted girls
was beautiful to see. Truly it is "more
blessed to give than receive"
Il have nothing for you," said Bessie,
soberly, after while; "but never mind |;
when I am lady you will see the nice
things I will give you. But must go
and tell papa; he will be glad, l know,
that am SO happy"
So she hurried to dress, and bearing
the rosebush in her hands, went to her
fathers room. In moment more she
was sitting on his bed, looking, he
thought more like an angel visitor than
an earthly child, her fair little face pale
with excitement, and her great hazel
eyes sparkling with pleasure.
merry Christmas, papa, and OIL I
have had such beautiful dream about
mamma. She came to me and she wore
pink dress, and I have been with her
all night, having such nice time; and
when I awoke, what do you think, there
was this rose by my bed smelling 80
sweet Pm sure l smelled it in my sleep.
And bird, real live bird, one for my
own. Kathlene and Bridget gave it all,
and am SO happyp Mr.. Irving caught
the child in his arms, and tears were in
his eyes. His dreams were troubled that
night, and he had felt uneasy, and dis.
turbed in mind, and with the light Of
Christmas morning, it became clear tc
him that in cheering and making happy
his child 30 peace would come to his OWL
heart.
II have been bad papa" he said. q
who should have been the first one X
give you pleasure, had forgotten it in my
selfshness and sorrow. Now you shal
have present of a new father, who vii
try hard to make you happy as long a
he lives. Kathlene and Bridget shall
each have new gown before the day il
over for their kind thought of my littl'
girl, and we will see what we can do II
have good time, too, by-and-by. Nov
90 and see Aunt Susan" and away raj
Bessie like deer to tell her story again
: After breakfast Mr.. Irving had a littl'
private conversation with Aunt Susan
and went out telling Bessie to be read.
for sleighride in an hour. When th'
time came he drove to the door with
4 large sleigh and two horses. the happ!
9 child was bundled in among the robes
, and away they went. How those bell
| did ring! They seemed to be saying
: "Merry Christmas, Bessie, Merry Christ
mas" And the horses pranced along a
Y if they enjoyed the keen, frosty air
Everybody looked happy that they met
The boys out trying their new skates ant
sleds; the girls giving their new dolls al
= airing; even the butchers and the gro
!, GERS had dressed up their carts witt
! sprigs of green, and looked jolly as the.
! drove UP delivering turkeys and othe
good things. "Where are we going, pa
pap asked Bessie, from her wrappings
the most to be seen of her was littl
, red nose and two bright eyes. "Well,
Lo,cL& x,,o mould rro and horraw an,,