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

IL WAS very uitHcutt 10 imagine that
lie was actually invited to enter the
imposing mansion before him as D
guest. Perhaps Mr.. Dinsmore divin-
ed his doubts, for he continued:
Come. you must not refuse the in.
vitation. There are some little peo-
pie inside who would be very much
disappointed if you should. since il
was they who commissioned me TO
invite you
Il am sure, sir, am very much o.
bliged both TO them and to you,' said
the boy gratefully, advancing towards
Mr.. Dinsmore, of whom he had lost
whatever little distrust he had at first
felt.
A moment afterward the boy step.
ped within the spacious parlor. To
him whose home offered no attrac-
tons and few comforts, the scene
which spread before him might we'll
seem scene OF euchantment.
Lizzie said Mr.. Dinsmore, come
forward and welcome your guest.
would introduce you, but unluckily
do not know his name
My name is Willie-Wiilic Grant
was the boys reply.
Then, Willie Grant, this is Miss
Lizzie Dinsmore,' who is, | am sure.
glad to see you, since it was at her
request that | invited you to enter
Willie raised his eyes timidly, and
bent them tor moment on the sinru
larly beautiful child who had come
forward and frankly placed her hand
in his.
There is something irresistible in
the witchery OF beauty, and Willie felt
II warm glow crinsoning his cheeks,
rs, for moment, forgetful of every
thing else, he bent his eyes earnestly
upon Lizzie. Then another feeling
came over him, and with look OF
shame at his scanty and ill-fttiug
garments, no dropped her hand, and
lnvoluntarlly shrauk back, as if seek
ing to screen them from sight.
lerceiving the movement, and
guessing It's canso, Mr.. Dinsmore,
with view to dissipate these feelings,
led forward Harry and Charley. and
told them to make acquaintance with
Willie. With loud shouts of delight
they displayed the various gifts which
81. Nicholas had brought thom and
challenged his admiration.
Everything was new to Willie
T His childhood not being smiled upon
by fortune, and the costly toys which
tho boys exhibited, elected quite as
much admiration rs they could desire.
Occupied III this way, his conStraint
gradually wore off to such q degree
that he assisted Charley & Harry in
trying their new toys. Soon, however,
the recollection that it was CROWN
late, and that he had yet to find his way
homo, came TO him, and taking his
old hat he said to Mr.. Dinsmore in an
embarrassed manner
my mother will he expecting me
home, and [ should already have been
there but that | lost my way, and
happened to look in at your window
and you wero so kind as to let me
como in
Where does your mother live, my
little fellow asked Mr.. D;nsmore.
'On - street.
ooh, that is not far off. I will my
sclf'show you the way if you will re-
main few minutes longer
Mr.. Dinsmors rang the bell, and
ordered q plate of cakes and apples,
as he conjectured they would not he
Unacceptable to his little visitor.
Meanwhile Lizzie crept to her mo-
theirs side and whispered
willie IS poor, isn't he?'
yes. What makes You ask?'
thought hs must be, because his
clothes look so very thin and patched.
Don't you think he would like a
Christmas present, motherP
Yes my darling, have you anything
to give him.?
Il thought, mother, perhaps you
would let me give him my five dollar
gold piece; / think that would be
better than any plaything. May I
give it?'
IS, my child, If you are really
willing. But are you quito sure that
you will not regroJit afterwards?
yes, mother and Lizzie ran light.
~ to the little box where she kept her
treasure, and brought it forth and
placed it in Willie's hand.
That Is your Christmas present.
said she, gaiIy.
Willie looked in surprise.
DO you mean it for me!' he asked
in haIl-bewidered tone.
Yes Il you like it,
i thank you very much for your
kindness, said Willie, earnestly, .aud
| will always remember it.
There was something in the boy 8
earnest tone which Lizzie felt was an
ample rOcOmpsn5e for the little sacri-