Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1883-12-20
TATTY's CHRISTMAS.

1t was rainy, slippery, disagreeable
Christmas morning, but generally the
children did not care for that. They
hugged their pretty new dolls. beat theil
horrid new drums and read their charm
ing story books with as much pleasure as
though the sun were shining. There
were children, though, who had ne dolls
nor drums nor books; poor, unhappy
little things, who were compelled to GO
on the streets begging for bread, selling
matches or newspapers, sweeping the
crossings anything they could do to
earn sixpence
Tatty-Koram was visiting her grand
mother, dignified old lady, who had
almost forgotten that she was ever a lit
tie girl like Tatty, and 1t was no wonder,
for it had been so many, many years ago.
She did not think children ought to hang
up their stockings Just think of that
And when Christmas evening came Tatty
was too much afraid of her to risk jump
ing out Of bed and hanging up hers after
her grandmother had gone out Of hel
room. However, she set her boots on a
chair, with the pretty bright-colored
stockings laid conspicuously over them.
Presently grandma came Why do
you leave your shoes and stockings there,
Sophronia ?'' You see Tatty's name was
the same as her grandmother's; in fact,
the old lady had sent the name and a
silver cup to the baby before any other
name had been given her, and babys
mamma did not like to offend her mother
in-law, 50 she was Called Sophronia; but
it was always shortened into Sophie,
until papa took it into his head to call
her ttyKoram-
Tatty looked at her grandma and hesi-
tated; she was afraid to tell the real
motive, and would not tell lie.
"Why do you not answer mel Why
have you left your shoes and stockings
on chair in the middle of the room, in
stead Of placing them, as have taught
you, on the floor beside the bed n
"Well, grandma | may as well tell the
truth. thought that when Santa Claus
came down the chimney he would look
for my stockings, and SO put 'em where
he could see 'em."
Say them, not 'em, child.
So put them where he could see
them, F." dutifully responded Tatty.
Well, l thought you had more sense.
l wonder at the way your father and
mother have brought you up. You
ought to know better than to believe any
silly tales about Santa Claus. Put YOUR
shoes and stockings where they belong,
and set the chair away. You will find
no foolish toys in the morning, but as a
reward for your truthfulness and prompt
obedience, l will tell you now what had
intended as surprise for you tomorrow.
Your uncle Charles has made arrange
ments to take you with all the neighbor.
ing children for sleigh ride tomorrow.
If It does not storm, and Rhoda has
begged the privilege Of giving you nice
supper in the kitchen on your return. /
could not have you all in the dining
room, but if Rhoda chooses TO have her
kifchan Y,pcof che NOV
''Oh. grandma, how nice that will be,
and how kind YOU are,' exclaimed Tattv.
who wished she dare put her arms around
her grandmother's neck, and give her a
good kiss.
Tatty fell asleenwith happy thoughts
that night, and her bright anticipations
Of a happy Christmas day followed her
into dreamland, where she saw her
grandmother masquerading as Santa
Claus, and heard the merry tinIlc of sill
very sleigh bells all night long.
What bitter disappointment did this
rainy Christmas morning bring to herl
How she longed for the clasp of her own
dear mothers arms, and her papa's loving
kiss. But they were away off across the
sea, travelling in foreign lands.
Tatty had no appetite for her break
fast, and after that meal was ended she
went to the window and stood little
while looking out. But presently her
gra@dma called her.
'sCome, Sophronia, get your patch
work and see how neatly you can sew
this morning"
"Why, mother, said Uncle Charlie,
who had just come'in, you don't ex-