The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1880-01-03
CHRISTMAS AT NUMBER ONE
CRAWLIN PLACE.

CHklSIMAS AL NUMBER ONE
CRAWLIN PLACE.
Most certainly, Number One, Crawlin
Place, was dingy abode at any time,
but as Carol came in sight of it, one
bright afternoon a few days before
Christmas, with his mind full of much
pleasanter places, he gave little sigh
1T disapproyal, and muttered. not
gfoomily, but honestly, as if he had
been called upon suddenly to compare
it candidly with brighter places he had
seen:
"It looks meaner than ever!'
A ray from the sun as he looked at
No. l, seemed to contradict him, for it
fell brightly upon a window in the
fourth story and lighted it up wonder
fully; or was it the bright, deep-set
eyes of old Aunt Kizzy, as she looked
down and nodded cheerfullyp How
ever that may be, little Carol forgot
that Crawlin Place was dingy as he
darted up the old stairs. The faded
face of Aunt Kizzy, her bright eyes and
worn wig, were part of his home; and
when Christmas is near, home is dearer
than any other place in the world, if it
IS dingy. Besides, Carol-but let him
tell his own secrets.
"Darn up the old stocking I saw
dangling on the line, Aunt Kizzy," he
cried, as he came breathlessly up to the
window where the old lady sat.
"PIl make it strong enough to hold
up two cents worth of snuff" she said.
cheerily.
81 feel sure this will be lucky
Christmas" said Carol. 81 saw three
stars shoot last night-a star apiece for
us, Aunt Kizzy. Now quick-before
mother comes-count that, please"
"Massy! massy! Where did you get
it. childP" as the coppers and bits of
silver fell into her lap. "You amt
"All right, Aunt Kizzy. Good, hon
est money. For mothers present. You
go buy it, for l must get more or there
can't be any snuff"
She caught him by his worn jacket
as he was flying past the door, and sat
him down in the old rocking chair.
"Sit there, sir, and tell me where
you got this money! A Christmas
present ought to be bought with money
that don't need washing"
81 won't tell"
Aunt Kizzy's back became very stiff
and she handed him back the money.
"It's all right" he said, inpatient
ly, waving away her extended hand.
" But if you must know" dropping his
voice to mysterious whisper, &C sang
for Gn'
Where, child?''
In the street."
"Like beggar?"
"No, not quite. I did not ask for
money; they gave it to me-"
"What did you sing, you scamp,
youP" said Aunt Kizzy, forgetting her
point in her curiosity.
81 sang every song knew-even the
one you sang to me the other night. "
WhereP Anywhere about hereP"
"No; away uptown where the big
folks live."
"Don't you do it again.
81 have promised Santa Claus two
cents worth of snuff for an old lady
who hangs up black stockings"
"She can't have it,
"She must.'
Aunt Kizzy dropped the money slow
ly, piece by piece, into her lap.
"Seventy cents, Carolr'
"Get anything you feel sure she'll
like" he whispered in her ear, and
darted away.
"Seventy cents! Well, well, well!
may be you're not ashamed ofyour want
O. faith, old Kizzy Hopkins! No good
comes O. INVITING, SO FL only say,
faiths good thing always. Now step
along, and see what you can buy. Sew
enty cents! And ten away down in
your pocket fol- him, that he couldn't
see. No, you can't get much for ten
cents, but start out and do your best.
Straighten your wig, old Kizzy; count
up your change and don't 60 out with
envious feelings in your heart because
other old women carry heavier purses!
Seventy cents and ten is eighty; eighty
cents amt to be sneezed at. Didn't
you expect to have to start out with
only temp You know you did! Then
why not look little cheerful"
This remark was evidently addressed
to the faded, patient face that looked
out at her from the small looking-glass.
But Carols mother heard.
"Don't dare find fault with that
woman in the glass!' said she, coming
in and smoothing the rusty black rib
bon on the worn-out bonnet.
"She's orful ungrateful, Car line.
Instead of bein' thankful for bonnet
to cover her old wig, she's wishing for
veil to hide her old bonnet"
"The more people have the more
they want, Aunt Kizzy. But where are
you going"
latter Christmas presents" said
Aunt Kizzy, proudly. "Good-byer'
''There is dear, strong heart under
that old shawl" said Caroline, as Aunt
Kizzy turned the dismal corner.
"Only ten cents for both of EN-"
muttered the old woman, as she left the
narrow street. "That boyis off trying
to get something for me. Amt you
ashamed of yourself, Kizzy H P''she con-
tinued, falling into her favorite mode
of addressing herself, which she called
giving dose to her pride. "Think of