South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1882-01-13
The Christmas Gift.

hardened by the frost, with q pure
white covering. As the rain falls a.
like upon the just rs upon the unjust,
SO too the snow, Gods kindred mes.
senSer, knows no distinction of per.
sons, visiting all alike, forgetting
none, and passing by none.
In one OF the principal streets of
New York stood q boy of some twelve
years. His clothing was poor, and
too scanty to afford sufficient pro.
lection against the inclemency of the
season. Through the visor OF his cap,
which had become detached in the
middle, his hair could be seen, and
he WAS a pitiable looking object
The wind was sweeping the snow.
flakes all over him and about him
and a. he stood the picture of.distfess
and despair, his frame trembled from
the cold, from which he was SO INSULT
Gently shielded.
1t Is a handsome street, that in
which he is standing. On either side
he beholds the residences OF those up
on whom fortune has showered her
favors. Bright lights CLEAN from the
parlor windows, and shouts Of laugh.
ter and mirth ring out upon the
night.
All is JOY and brightness and festi-
witty within those paIace-homes. The
snowtlakes fall idly against the win
dow panes. They cannot chill the
hearts within, nor place q bar upon
their enjoyment, fol this is Christmas
Eve, long awaited, at length arrived.
Christmas Eve, around which SO ma.
ny youthful anticipations cluster, has
enjoyments peculiarly its own, over
which the elements, however bolster
Gus, have no control. Yet to some,
Christmas Eve brings more sorrow
than enjoyment, serving oaly to
leighton the contrast between prasont
poverty and discomfort and past in.
tiuenoe.
But all this time we have left our
little hero shivering in the street.
Cold and uncomfortable as he was,
as well as anxious in mind, for he had
lost his way and knew not how to
find it again, he could not help forget
ting his situation for the time in Wit.
Messing the scene which met his
eye, az Tor 4 moment he stood in
front of Il handsome residence on the
south side of the street. The curtains
were drawn aside, 30 that by support
ing himself on the railing he had an
unobstructed view OF the scene
within.
1t was n spacious parlor, furnished
III style elegant but not ostentatious.
In the centre of the apartment was q
Christmas tree, brilliant with tapers
which were cleaning from every
branch and twig Gifts OF various
kinds were hung upon the tree, around
which were gathered group OF three
children, respectively of eight, ak and
four years. The eldest was a winsome
fairy, with sparkling eyes and dancing
feet. The others were boys, who
were making the most of this rare
opportunity ofsitting up after nine o.
clock. At little distance stood Mr..
Dinsmore and his wife gazing with
unalloyed enjoyment at the happiness
of their children.
While Lizzie was indulging in OK.
pressions of delight at the superb wax
doll which, st. Nicholas had so gener-
ously provided, her attention was for
a moment drawn TO the window,
through which she distinctly saw the
figure of our hero, who. az we have
said, had in his eagerness raised him
self upon the railing outside, lin order
to obtain a better view. She uttered
an exclamation OF surprise
why mother there's 4 boy looking
in at the window. just look at him
Mrs. Dinsnore looked in tho direc-
ton indicated, and saw the little boy
without his perceiving that attention
had been drawn towards him.
Some poor boy she remarked 10
her husband, in n compassionate
tone, 'who loses for moment the
of his own discomfort i'm
our happiness. See how
eagerly he looks at the tree, which no
doubt appears like something marvel
Gus to him
why can't you let him come inY
asked Lizzie eagerly. lie must be
very cold ont there with the snow
fakes upon him. Perhaps he would
like to see our tree near by.
very well and Kindly thought of,
my little girl said Mr.. Dinsmore,
placing his hand for a moment on her
locks | VIII follow your
suggestion, but I must do it carefully,
Or be may be frightened and run a.
way before he knows what are our
Intentions
So speaking, Mr.. Dinsmore moved
to the front door and open
ed it suddenly The boy, startled by
he sound, turned towards Mr.. Dins.