Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1882-12-23

A CHRISTMAS STORY.
Twas the eve before Christmas; "Ge

And Annie anu liile mad crept INTO Deu :
There were tears OIL their pillows, and
tears in their eyes,
signs,
For tonight their stern fathers command
had been given
That they must retire precisely at seven
Instead of eight; for they troubled him
With questions unheard OF than ever be-
fore.
He tolt them he thought this delusion a
sin,
No such a thing as "Santa Claus" ever
had been,
And he hoped, after this, he should never
more hear
How he scrambled down chimneys with
presents each year.
And this j. the rexson why two little beads
SO resilessly tossed OH their soft, downy
beds.
Eight, nine, and the clock on the steeple
Not word had been spoken by either till
then;
When Willie's sad face from the blanket
did peep,
And whispered, "Dear Annie, is you fast
asleep?"
"Why, no, brother Willie" \ sweet voice
replies,
"I've tried ia vain, but can't shut my
eyes;
For somehow it makes me SO sorry because
Dear papa had said there is 40 'Sauta
Claus;
Now we know there is, and il can't be de-
MED,
For he came every year before mamma
died;
But then I've been thinking she used 20
pray,
Aud God would hear everything mamma
would say,
And perhaps she asked him to send Santa
Claus here
With the sacks full of presents lie brought
every year"
"Well, why tan't we pay dest as mamma
did then,
And ask him to send him with presents
aden?"
"I've been thinking so, too, and without
word more
Four bare little feet bounded out on the
floor,
And four little knees the soft carpet
pressed,
And two tiny hands were clasped close to
each breast.
"Now, Willie, you know we must firmly
believe
That the presents we ask for we're sure to
receive.
YJu must wait just rs still till say amen,
And by that you will know that your turn
has come then.
Dear Jesus, look down on my brother aud
me,
And grant us the favor we're asking Of
thee:
l want nice book full of pictures, ring,
A writing desk, too, that shuts with
spring.
Bless papa, dear Jesus, and cause him to
see
That Santa Claus loves US as much even
as he;
Don't let him get fretful and angry again
At dear brother w lille and Annie, ameL !"
"Please, Desus, 'et Santa Taus tome down
tonight,
And bring us some presents before it is
light.
I want he sould dive me bright little box,
Fall of ac'obats, some other nice blocks,
And bag full of tandy, book and toy,
Amen, and then, ,Desus, III be Il dood boy"
Their prayers being ended, they raised up
their heads,
And with hearts light and cheerful again
sought their beds;
They were soon lost in slumber-botb
peaceful and deep,
And with fairies in dream-land were
roaming in sleep.
Eight, nine, and the little French clock
had struck ten
Ere the father had thought of his children
again;
II. seems now to hear Annie's half-smoth-
cred signs.
And to see the big tears standing in Will
lies blue eyes.
81 was harsh with my darlings," he men
tally said,
"And should not have sent them so early
to bed,
Blu. then 1 was troubled-my feelings
found vent,
For bank stock to-day has gone down ten
per cent.
But of course they've forgot their troubles
ere this,
And that denied them the thrice asked
for kiss;
But just to make sure III steal up TO their
door,
For l never spoke harsh to my darlings
before"
So saying he softly ascehded the stairs,
And arriving at their door heard both Of
their prayers.
His Annie's "bless papa" draws forth the
big tears,
And Willie's grave promise falls sweet on
his ears.
Strange, strange, I've forgotten" said
he, with sigh,
Chow | longed when a child TO have