Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1880-01-02
3 2lsasamt Story.
THE NEW YEARS GIFT.

IL WAS new ears Eve; colo DluBter-
ing night. The wind dashed the frozen
sleet furiously against the sturdy walls of
the Red Stone Farmhouse, making the bright
fire that was burning in the large old-fash-
Toned kitchen seem doubly grateful, around
which were gathered Farmer Williams, his
wife and four children.
The weather-bronzed face of the farmer
had care-worn, disconnected look. He is
one Of those who "make haste to be rich,"
and though he is surrounded by many
blessings and every reasonable want is sup
piled, as the close Of the old year finds no
surplus in his purse, his heart instead Of be-
ing lifted up with gratitude is filled with
repinings.
His gentle, meek -browed wife is sitting
beside him. Her countensnce wears look
of chastened sorrow, and tears glisten in
her eyes as they wander TO corner of the
room where stands vacant cradle, from
which smiled, u week ago, the rosy checked,
bright-eyed boy. upon whose little grave to-
night, the snow is drilled heavily.
The long silence was broken by a heavy
knock at the door.
Farmer Williams opened it, revealing O.
respectable. middle-ssed colored man, who
held carefully in his hand covered basket.
docs Mrs Williams live here ?" he in
quired.
"She does
1.-The lady who buried child yester-
day."
ayes"
"Well, here's New Years present for
her"
Thrusting the basket into the FARMER
hands, he turned and walked quickly down
the road, where could be dimly seen the
outlines of covered sleigh, from which
came the faint sound OF stifed sobs.
Bewildered and astonished, Farmer VIII
liams carried the basket into the kitchen
and set it upon the table.
AS he did So he was startled By plain
tive cry and upon opening il, there lay y
lovely boy, apparently about three months
old
Farmer Williams sprang 10 the door, but
the sleigh and its occupants were nowhere
10 be seen.
In the meantime Mrs Williams and her
explanations Of surprise and pleasure As
| the babe saw the sweet face that bent over
il, II smiled, and taking II up in her arms
she pressed it fondly 10 her bosom just
then her husband came back from his fruit
less search.
~ declare, it's an imposition he ex-
claimed, stamping the snow Off his boots.
"But won't submit TO it, I'll take il over
TO the town farm the first thing 10 the
morning"
II can't bear the idea of it going there,
John" said his wife. Just nee what a
sweet babe il is !"
II don't zee but what II looks like other
babies returned John grufiy. doing his
best to steel his heart against the little stanger,
in which he only partly succeeded, for
rough as was the farmers way, he had a
kindly nature, # one could only reach it.
ANY way, the authorities will have 10 take
care Of it we can't. We've got more mouths
10 fill now than We can lind bread for"
Mrs Williams lip quivered as her thoughts
reverted to the little grave in the church
yard. All to her there was one too few.
Dear John, she said, pleadingly, at
seems as though God had sent this babe 10
take the place Of our own little Willie,
whom lie has taken TO HIMSELF Let me
keep il. II will not fail TO bring n blessing,
you may be sure
Farmer Williams countenance RELAXED Us
he looked IN those fearful eyes.
"Well, well. Mary" he said in softoned
voice, "I'll think about H. II We do, You
and the children may have 10 do without "a
good many things, for these are hard times
and likely 10 lie harder. 81 you had better
weigh the matter well before deciding
Mrs Williams did 80; and the result was
that her New Years Gin" became fr.
ture ia Red Stone Farmhouse. llo grew
up a merry. winsome boy. twining even
around the farmers rugged nature. and tax.
ing in the heart Of his adopted mother the
place Of her lost darling, Iovesl and cher
ished by her with equsI tenderness. Many
sacrifices did she make, many toiIsome houns
did she spend, in order that her husband
might not fesi the expense ~ biz maint.
nance too heavily. Aud well did his grow.
ing intelligence and besuiy, and the ardent
affection he evinced for her, repay her for il
al. There was nothing about him that
could give the slighis-, clue 70 his pareSt-