Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1881-12-22

i've incident is from the London Chill
dren's Friend:
1t was only few days before Christ
mas, and l was travelling home after &
long absence in foreign lands. l had
been in the train all day, and was very
tired of the cramped position, so was
not altogether sorry, when L arrived al
a station where had to change, to find
that must wait three-quarters of an
hour before 1 conld proceed on my jour.
ney.
/ saw my portmanteau put safely on
one. side, and then l began to walk up
and down on the platform, glad to have
the opportunity Of little exercise, as
had still four or five hours journey be-
fore me. For some time watched the
various passengers coming and going
and amused myself with wondering
what their histories were, and where
they were bound for. Some were evil
IDENTIFY going home for Christmas, glad
and gay; others looked as if some mourn
full business called them abroad; and
others again seemed intent on some bu-
sy work which occupied all their
thoughts. Soon train came up and
carried off most of these people, ard
then 1 saw what has been pretty pic
ture on my mind ever since-a little
girl, about four years old, sitting by
herself on neat seat at the back of the
platform. She had large brown eyes,
and pretty soft hair hanging round her
neck, while her warm crimson hood
made bright bit of color that dull day.
1 watched the little maiden, and won-
dered to see her sitting there all by her
self, but she did seem at all troubled.
On the seat beside her was bandbox
tied up in a handkerchief, and a brown
basket with bunch of flowers laid on
the top-a bit of holly, ana some hr and
laurel, with a few Christmas roses taste
fully tied together. Presently l went
up and sat down beside her, and asked:
"Are you all alone, my dear child?"
She lifted her brown eyes to my face,
and said, "Im left till called for, ma'am."
Left till called for!" l repeated, smi-
ling at the gentle face. "WhO said 500"
"Auntie."
as auntie coming to fetch you?"
'Yes, soon, ma'am."
The little maid did not seem shy, and
| felt greatly interested in her. SO l ask
ed, Are you going to stay with auntie
in the country"
No. I'm going home to father and
mother"
THAT is NIGEL" L said. What have
you been doing in the country?"
"Been to see grandma, and the COWS
and pigs
did you like them, my dear?"
asked.
She gave Inc an emphatic nod.
81 wonder if you have any brothers
and sisters?"
"I've got Bobby, and there's new ba-
by now," and her face grew eager-"a
new baby with blue eyes, and I'm going
to love it,
"a new babyl-that will be a pretty
plaything for you. What is its name ?"
"Why, baby" and the little face
looked up as she seemed to wonder that
| could not understand that.
"And what is your name, my child ?"
"Rosie."
"You look like little rosebud, in
deed" 1 said; 81 hope you will soon be
called for" And continued my walk.
After going into the refreshment-room
and getting something to eat, bought
bun and went out again to see if my lit
tie friend was still there. Yes, she was
sitting in the same place, quiet and pa
tient. 1 went up and offered her bun.
"Would you like this ?" asked.
"Yes, please" she said, in pretty soft
tone. And she took the bun in her
hand, but did not attempt to eat it.
"How old are you, Rosie?" 1 asked.
-Four years, on Christmas Day."
"Do you know what Christmas Day
is?"
Eyes, it's Jesus birthday, and it's
mine."
do you know that Jesus loves little
children and takes care of them?"
She nodded.
"He is taking care of you at this sta
tion, and he sent me to come and talk to
you while auntie is away"
She looked up very confidingly, and
put her little hands into mine, as she
asked, "Will he send auntie soon ?"
Yes, think so, because l must 60
when the next train comes. Will you
walk up and down with me for little
while?" l asked.
mo, ma am" she said softly, shaking
her head. "Auntie said was left till
called for, and 1 mustn't move"
"a did not press her further, but nay
heart warmed to the obedient, truStful
little maiden.
Before long my train was signalled,
and | went to see after my luggage.
Just before the train started l saw
pleasant-faced young woman go quickly
up to Rosie. and say, as she gave her
kiss, "Y ou're good girl, Rosie; I'm sor
ry had to leave you so long. I'd good
way to 60, but we're all right now"
And then L saw them get into the
train few carriages further down than
mine.
We had travelled on for about an hour,
and at one of the stations we stopped at,
l put my head out of the window for a
little fresh air; on the platform saw a
tall, cheerful-looking man anxiously
looking for somebody. Then Rosie and
her aunt got out of the train, and when
the man saw them he took Rosie in his
arms and covered her with kisses, while
the little girl clung round his neck.
"That must be Rosie's father" said
to myself. "Ths little maiden has got
home. and the pretty little parcel that
was left at the station had been called
for and hope she and her friends will
have very happy Christmas"
THE Pennsylvania and Baltimore &
Ohio roads have recommended the cut
ting of eastbound freights from Chicago,
and the sores of the old railroad war
seem To be oneninp afrash Grain and