The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1882-12-23

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pounds and pounds of candy. Just as
much as | could eat for once. and new
doll. Beatrice is all worn out and
mother says she shall not get me
another" she concluded. mournfully,
thinking of the forlorn darling with the
torn dress and shoelesS feet.
''Humph! you may have all the dolls.
want sled so l can slide down hill
with the boys" put in Katie COIN.
$50 do | want sled, and book full
OF pictures, and bird, and Il new dress,
and-Oh, ever so many things" said
little Hattie Morris, drawing long
breath ''What do youwant Nary"
The quiet, gentle girl addressed an
swered slowly:
81 guess | should rather have a new
dress and shawl for mother than anything
else
"Why, of course we'd like lots of
things for other folks, but just for your
self; what do you want mostfor yourself
Mary?"
"Well, 1 want piano dreadfully; but
shan't ever have that, so l didn't say
it, " replied Mary.
"GueSs you Il have one as quick as we
shall get our things. Don't you think
so, Sarah?"
Like enough" replied Sarah with a
scowl; Il never eXpectto have anything.
| Nobody does in Cotton Hollow, except
whoever has the mills. That's the way
to keep poor folks; screw 'em down
close, and put the money in your own
pocket to buy fur cloaks and blue cash
mere dresses withn'
Sarah Grantr' whispered Gerty Smith
hurriedly as they rushed upstairs ut the
sound of the bell; Il do believe Hctty
NOrtham was at that window; | caught
glimpse of somebody"
''Don't care! Hope she heard was
Sarah's response.
II. AFTER CHRISTMAS.
Sarah Grant was the first in the school
room on the morning after the Christmas
holiday. Emma Porter and Gerty Smith
soon made their appearance.
Sarah met the newcomers at the door.
fiourishing two handsome books over her
head.n
elf didn't get just what 1 wantedr'
she cried, eXcitedly.
$50 did IT, . SO did IT, eagerly
exclaimed both girls
" These lovely books! They are full
of pictures gilt-cdged and all; Just seer'
Sarah went on. Aren't they elegant"
Eyes, yes; but who gave them to you,
Sarah? We haven't the least idea where
our presents came from; have you?'
NO" replied Sarah, Il haven't, and
| don know rs care, so long as | have
them. O, they are so lovelyn' and the
excited girl Rugged them close.
MY skates are Beauties" said Emma
Porter, and Gerty's doll
" A wax doll with real curly hair"
put in Gerty," and lots of candy, choco-
late, and cocoanut, and peppermint and
everything Just what | wished for that
day-it's so funny"'
Girls, girlsn' burst in Katie COIN,
stunning up to the noisy group, " I've
got a new sled, and don't know where
in the world it came from! Mother says
there isn't any Santa Claus, but | believe
there is
There's Mary! l wonder if her wish
came true"
1--we GOT a piano. began Mary, as
soon as she caught sight of the others.
"You don't mean it, Mary Tuckerr'
Il do"' said Mary, half crying and
half laughing. "A man brought it
yesterday afternoon, and he wouldn't
tell mother who sent it, only that it was
forme. And besides, there was a beauti-
full shawl and cashmere dress came last
night for mother, and-oh, girls. Here
poor Mary broke completely down.
"What are you crying for, little goose?"
exclaimed Sarah Grant. Guess |
wouldn' cry because had piano, Who
sentit, do you suppose? Some of your
rich relations?n
81 haven't any, and [ have been so
afraid that the man made mistake and
would come and take it away"
"Well, | shouldn't want to give up
my new shawl" said Sarah displaying
it proudly. just see how thick and
warm But the best of all is, that Mr..
Northam has raised pas wages
q" So has he raised father's.' said
Emma Porter.
"And my fathers, too.'' echoed the
others in chorus.
He has? "-Sarah stopped suddenly,
and fora moment her face was study.
1t wore a puzzled expression, as if she
were trying to see her way out of diff
Guilty. She turned in her quick way to
Gerty Smith:
{" Do you suppose she heard? Could
she have sent-?" Sarah glanced to-
wards desk in the corner. Its quiet
little occupant seemed to be studying;
her eyes were fixed upon her book.
"rll ask her--rll find outn' said
Sarah Grant.
There was no smile on Sarah's face,
as she crossed the room instead,
troubled, set look about the mouth.
She stopped in front of Hetty's desk.
''See here"' she said sharply, ''did you
have anything to do with our Christmas
things?-my books, and Mary's piano.
Did you"-still more sharply.
Hetty heSitated; herface was flushed,
and the girl was fairly trembling with
excitement. For moment no answer
came, and then she took refuge in the
monosyllabic "Why?"
81 want to know; did you or did you
not?' demanded Sarah harshly,
"Ye-yes," stammered Hetty, fright
ened at Sarahs sternness. d
thought you would like them" ,
"Do you mean to say that you heard
what we said that day | said
about you?" questioned Sarah. in a
queer, strained voice.
az