The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1882-12-26
HUNGRY ON CHRISTMAS.
A TRUE STORY.

On the afternoon Of December "a,
1877, though the light was fast falling,
weary looking little lady sat close at
her window, painting rapidly yet care
fnlly as she finished q dtita,e miniature
portrait on porcelain. for she was em
ployed by one of our largest pho,ogra-
pbic galleries, at that time just in the
beginning OF lis existence.
Two children played lovingly and
nerrly at table near; Eer room was
unu u+ually pleasant and comfortable
looking, her own dress and children s
good and suitab!e-tbere seemed NJ
cause for the sad and weary care upon
her face-but this dear little woman was
one who loved her neighhor and con-
sciously loved for others, and these we're
her thoughts:
81 have not seen my young neighbors
for nearly a week until TO day, and then
the husband louked go pale and thin!
fear they are in trouble, and yet ] hardly
dare venture In. Oh, this life in large
cities Is cruel! Where they pack us
such u ter strangers, in separate rooms
adjoining, anil we know nothing of Gael
other. Our neighbors on the other siht
Of The partition may lie dying OF grie
and loneliness, or want, while we arc
careless and gay, until some morning the
jani:or comes in with 9 scared face. tt
say that the mau in the next room i.
dead-died in the night alone-his body
lies en- the other aide OF Inc wall. Oh
it is too horrible! Such thing hap
pened once in this house before eamt
TO 1t 1t must not happeo sgsin. vii
get pail to-day for this picture, and wher
the children are asleep will run arounc
to Lhe market and buy turkey with al
the accompaniments. and then will in
vite Mr and Mrs. Wilson to eat with u
TO morrow. and will learn if they ar
IN trouble"
Inspired by kindly thoughts she work
ed faster than ever and soon the las
touch was gently placed, the. miniatur
sigidiy scrutinized, and With sausfie'
smile wrapped up. Then telling tn
children to get their coats and hats the
all FASTENED away to the photograp
gallery. Only one Young clerk va
there, having been left in charge Will
The others went home earlier than usua
"Mr. Poser expected you," said he
f"snd told me when you brought hi
wife's picture to shut mp the place an
hrlng 1t to his house. Said lie kne'
you wouldn't disappoint him-yor ney
er do"
T "Whe.e is the house, Johnnie9
might take it myself-and get paid" sh
aided mentally.
"Up in Fortieth street; but you hadn
better take it, Mrs Lonnox, for he hs
a psrty to night, and | live near there
"Very well, Johnnie don't undo I'll
package; if You take 1t from the box
might get broken"
"Oh, III look out Merry Christina
: Mrs. Lennox; 1 won't see you to-mo
> row."
"Merry Christmas Johnnie; / sha
not forget you on the 26lh." She turl
ed sadly away and went slowly Ion
with the children, trying to share the
, enjoyment OF the brilliantly beautif
= show windows, where so many thin,
we're displayed that she would like
: own. But she scarcely thought Of tbs
: : her, disappointment in not getting Il
expected $40 that evening had quite d
: raDged her plans, for now no turkey c.
be bought.
. "Laugb, mamma, laugh. Don't be
still" cried out little BERTHE as be glanc,
j up at her sad face. The mother smil,
to please him, tender, loving smi
J. such as an angels face might wear, al
! both the children laughed outright.
"Dear innoeents! They know not
p ing of life's trials or disappointment
n Neither shall they know; have alwa
made them happy aud Will still do s