The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1881-12-29
My Christmas Eve.

My Christmas Eve
On the 23d Of December some years
ago, WAS rushing along on the train, in
the western part of Massachusetts, for a
visit to my old friend and former school
mate, Jack Williams. He was a free,
kind hearted. whole souled Young man,
whom | had known from a boy, and
neither the hand Of time nor the rough
influence Of the world had ever lessened
or friendship in the slightest degree
Some three Years before the commence
mtnt of this sketch. his father died. leav-
ing him considerable property, among
which was the homestead nesting be-
meath the shadow OF the grand, majestic
old tIoosac. lie left the busy city and
had gone to this quiet home. where ever
since he bad lived. far more c0ntentedly
than thought possible, for be was of a
lively disposition and fond of society, and
in this rural retreat he lived alone with
an aged couple who had been his fathers
servants ever since he was born. Nearly
year had passed since | had seen my
friend. and it was with much pleasure
that looked forward to a week of Christ
mas holidays with him.
have had d romance, not very eX
tcnslve or thrilling one, but Of sufficient
Importance to occasion me a large amount
Of trouble, which afterwards learned is
the price that must be paid for this deli
cate article | mention it as il is in a
measure connected with this ski tch, and, i,
to he blet, Carrie Harding and | had
met, and with the impetuosity of youth
y { had fallen in love. For year we had
lived in Il state OF bliss. 50 to speak, until
one evening. on calling at the house after
a long absence from the city, found that
the family had gone abroad no message
had been left Ior me, no word had been
sent, and the first intimation had Of
Miss Eiarding's Whereabouts was seeing
an account Of her marriage in a London
paper.
From that day | was changed man;
gave up the pleasures of society, and
plunged heart and soul into business.
The rushing train with a prolonged
whistle came to a sland-slill al the sta
tion where was to leave it. A drive Of
d few miles Was necessary to reach my
friends house, and III the course Of an
hour we reached the avenue which led
~ lHe CNnllNIldUIe mansion.
My friend met me at the door, looking
like the same dear fellow that he was, and
bis cbeery welcome and warm grasp of
the hand showed his gladness at seeing
me better than anything else could do.
That charm OF every old New England
farmhouse, the great open fire place,
with its huge back log, its sputterng
cracking gave forth comforting sounds
50 grateful 10 the ears of d tired traveller.
After supper, Jack and drew our chairs
before the replenlohed fire, pitcher Of
cider Oh the table, large red-cheeked APP
piles on the hearth, bunch Of fragrant
HaVanas within easy reach, and with this
cheerful, enjoyable prospect, We prepared
to pass the evening.
Jack, | began. chow has the world
treated YOU since We last metz Still
pros poiing. ! suppose, and as fond Of
youl rural life as ever ?"
Yes, said my friend, II have been
prospered Ny farm has supplied my
wants, and | have no need of money
People would call me lucky dog, but
am not. To tell the truth, Pm lonesome;
and, without Il friend and companion,
What good would millions do me-"
That is just the point" | replied.
Here YOU are living the life Of monk,
away from everybody, and with nothing
to enliyen you but your own thoughts,
which, by the way, are not always agree
able company. Now let me suggest to
you to ENJOY the Christmas holidays in
this quiet place, and then come with me
and live in the city. See little of gay
life even if you do not care to participate
i'll it, and in a years time you will thank
me for this gratutous advice"
Leave here" said Jack, quickly. 600
away from here All the pleasures in the
world would not tempt me to leave this
place for a single week"
naturally looked surprised
"Iou are probably so in love with the
country, and are so attached to this beau
tllul mountain and the surrounding land
scape, that you dread the close confine-
ment Of the brick Wilderness Well, |
can't say that blame YOU, for if owned
these broad acres and could live in the
midst Of this rural beauty, should feel
inclined to remain. Are there any other
attractions here besides the scenery ?"
\ Slight flush spread over my friends
face, and he replied in a somewhat con
sciOus manner:
~ es, | suppose there are. Harry" he
continued, ''you have always been willing
to put up with my foolshness Now will
you kindly let me make confession 2"
"Certanly,' | replied.
''Well," said Jack, "about six months
ago there came TO live at my next neigh
b0t's house a most charming Young lady.
But don't know yet whether am happy
Or not She is very kind, and seems to
be pleased with MY society but, although
/ have told her Of my affection for her,
She seems to encourage and then to repel
me. or late | have taken courage, and
hope soon TO possess the most charming
woman in the world.
"WeIl, my boy, Ireturned, slowly, "you
are old enough to know your own mind,
and are abundantly able to take care
of yourself hope, but pray be careful"
Careful. replied Jack, "there is no
caretulness necessary. If am fortunate
enough to ever win this glorious creature
| shall care for nothing else. She is too
good, too honest to deceive me; all her
actions are most honorable"
"My dear boy" said |, "don't put any
lditn III appearances. Toou intentions
are everything, notwithstanding the an
cient say wing about certain locality being
paved with them. If you have given her
evidences of your love, why does she not
reciprocate, or inform you just how she
does regard you?'
perhaps she has her reasons" return
ed my friend, slowly, "but as for her be-
ing false, that is out of the question. She
is as true as the compass. But wait un-
til you have seen her. Tomorrow night
we are invited to a Christmas party, and