Frostburg mining journal., 1882-12-23
DOTS CHRISTMAS STOCKING

LII WIS SIOWlllS, bllCh ull't ltoo ~ StihS
down, and the entire city, vehicles,
horses, and pedestrians were well nigh
covered with the soft feathery flakes.
Notwithstanding this "heavy fall Of
snow," throngs Of men and women, boys
and girls, were out, hurrying along this
Christmas eve, going hither and thither.
They were in twos and threes and forlrs,
all gayly talking, and laden with bun
dies, large and small. Hearts were
light, faces wreathed in smiles, and ever
and anon there came ringing out on the
air peals of laughter, as musical in tone
as the joyously sweet strains OF the
Christmas Carols. And there We're the
jolly street vendors, Justify hawking
their wares. The store scenes were
brilliant with color and sparkling enthu-
siasm. Crowds of customers were shop
ping, happy in the purchase of presents
for beloved ones. The splendors of the
luminous show windows and their parade
of dolls and toys gave dash and a
spectacular-ike fascination to the wishfrll
lockers on-and still the snow came
slowly and steadily down.
To the casual observer there was uni
versal Joy this Christmas eve. Alas, there
were hearts heavy with sorrow, and hun
.dreds of cheerless homes. US there always
are. And yet noble charity was busy at
work throwing sunshine over poverty.
Often, however the helping hand is shut
out by the pride of refined natures, who
study to hide their wants as cautiously
rs the miser does his gold. Of this class
was Mrs. May, sweet-faced lady, with
large soul-lit eyes and gentle manners.
Her countenance, usually so pensive and
always interesting, has discouraged ex-
preston, and her eyes are red with weep
ing this Christmas eve. She stands by
the window and sighs sadly as she looks
out upon the busy, hurrying crowd, and
Inurmuring, "Oh, if could feel strong
and well might do more work"
Mamma, where's Willie ?"
'tHe has not returned yet, Dot. How
do you feel now, my dear?"
Every well, mamma; wake me up when
Willie comes?"
Dot closed her eyes and was soon sweet
ly doing. How fondly her weary mother
gazed at the little sufferer. And as she
stood by the humble, yet neat bed, and
held the little thin waxy hand in hers,
again the tears rained down her cheeks,
and the poor woman exclaimed in stifled
tones:
"Oh, what an avalanche of sorrow has
horne down upon me, crushing out all
the sunshine of life. One year ago this
Christmas eve had pretty home, a
loving husband, and my dear children
Joyous with the expectation Of Santa
Claus coming. Nowallis gloom, wretched
poverty is mine, and poor little Dot has
not one single comfort"
"Oh, yes, | have" exclaimed low,
sweet voice; II have you, dear mamma,
and there is Willie. Don't you think
that God is very good to give us Wilie?"
eyes, Dot, thank God every day for
giving me such good children.
"Oh, am nothing, mamma, only a
burden. When papa was alive and we
had q good home, | don't suppose you
minded about the expense Of poor sickly
Dot; but it is so different now, you and
Willie work SO hard to keep this little
home"
"Oh, my darling" exclaimed Mrs.
May, 81 only wish could do more fol
you. Willie and I love you very dearly,
and it makes us happy to get you com
Portable things"
"You are a dear mamma, good night. y
"Again little Dot was sleeping. The
child never complained although she
had always suffered. She was nine years
old, and had the form of child about
six years OF age. Dot was fast passing
away, and yet her mother was not aware
that death hovered over her little girl.
Mrs. May sat by the side of the cot and
sadly gazed at that lovely little face.
The features were beautifully shaped,
and the wealth of golden brown hair was
carelessly laid over the neck and
shoulders, reaching nearly to the waist.
Mrs. May sat there in that dingy,
gloomy room, with its ugly walls, bare