National Republican., 1880-12-25

thing to do-qulle the correct thing-especially for
Christmas Eve III do 1t. But how -
Dr. Jcrnyn's house was several squares away
everybody who lived anywhere (cxccpt, perhaps,
the policemen were sbed; and 1t was doubtful If
even the guardians OF the peoples lives and prop
crty were not hidden In outof.thc.way places
wherever shelter from the cutting blasts could he
found If I could only find one ofthom. I'll try,
Mt any rate"
When the Doctor fairly decided to accomplish
anything within the range Of possibility, he in.
yNriNbly succeeded; and therefore he started ont
with his usual determination, having first divcsted
himself of his ovcrcout, and added It's comfortable
weight aud warmth to the thin garments of those
who slept
Fortune favored him. Hc had not gone more
than couple OF squares before he distinguished o
dark form finding pasyable protection from the
wind In deep doorway, and upon approaching It
discovered policemen, one with whom. rs II
proved he chonccd TO he acquainted.
The officer, aroused from.his premcditated nap,
stepped down upon the pavement nnd was about
to resume his beat, when the Doctor, recognizing
him. spoke. Halo, Jones! Just the mnn I'm
looking for; come with me; bad case, very bad ;
needs immediate attention.
The officer turned about, and as the two hurried
| along the Doctor briefly explained the situation.
In a short space of time they were lining the
children In their strong arms. hnlfhour sui.
feed to take them to the Jcrmyn mansion and
gain them admission.
Having disposed of his burden. the officer de.
parted, after he had received fitting testimonial
from the Doctor.
II was long past midnight, but In less time than
1t takes to tell 1t Mrs. Jermyu, aroused by her hus.
band, was up and bustling about; so was the
molhcrly old nurse who had the care OF the Jcr.
myn ohildrcn-all intent on doing good TO the poor
suffering ones thus unexpectedly brought to their
door.
The cDotor first employed the re ,oratlvesknown
10 his profession, and amer short while had the
satisfaction ofknowlng that his cflurts were PROV.
ing successful.
Mrs. JcTmyn and the nurse were very Syinpa.
thctic und helpful, and their heart, were presently
grntiird by the doctors assurance that oil danger
was past.
Katie and Teddy were, however, quite drowsy-
so much so that they scarcely noticed what was
being done for them. They swallowed few drops
of wine, suppcd few spoonfuls Of hot broth
which had been hastily prepared, and mechanic
ally submitted 20 being undrcsscd, placed In q
wafn bath. and thoroughly scrubbed. Then, clad
in clean white gowns they.were borne into cosy
room adjoining the nursery, and In which two soft,
downy beds received them all unconscious of
what had transpircd or was going on for their
benefit.
The Doctor came ZIP to take look nt them and
feel their pulses
"They'rc all right now" he Observed good for
n long nap"
Mrs. Jcrmyn bent over each in turn, pressing
tender kisses upon cheeks no longer white and
| cold. but warm and rosy.
| And no wonder that her motherly heart was
touched In spite of their thin, carcworh features
| the two waits presented sweet picture. Teddy
lay with one hand underneath his head. the other
| resting upon the countcrpane, breathing gently
and occasionally murnuring or smiling in his
sleep. He was naturally bright littlo fellow, II
physognomy Is of any value as a criterion to judge
| by and Katie--well, she wns beautiful. Thin al
most to emaciaton, there were yet TO he perceived
even in her undeveloped form those graceful lines
which nre but the forerunners of maturcd lowell
| ness; and her har-that was superb.
While engaged in cOmbing the tangles out Of It,
Mrs. Jcrmyn had been unable to suppress an ex
| clamation of wonder and admiration, 1t was so
| long, and soft, aud golden.
Reaching down far below the hips II covered the
| slender body like q veil of sunlight 1t now par
| TALLY hid the flushed cheek turned uppcrmost
| and flowed over the pillow aud covering of the
couch in a rich profiison. sufficient to have en-
| chantcd the most exacting woman in the land
could she but have possessed, part of herself
| such crowning glory.
| The hands of the clock upon the mantel pointed
TO the hour oftw before the Doctor and his wife
| ing innocence and childhood to slumber on until
nature rcasscrtiny herself, should awaken the
little, wearied ones to another and happier life.