Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1883-12-26


A hot color rushed into her cheeks and
her lips quivered. She put her hand
into her pocket, and clutched the two
silver dollars,
"Tm sorry for you," she said hur-
riedly but / must go-indeed l must
co.
She started off at rapid pace, her
hand still cluTching the money in her
pocket. Presently she stopped, however,
and looked back, and between her heavy
respiration she repeated the verse, So In
asmuch as We have done it unto one of
the least of these, my brethren, ye have
lone il unto Me-"
Five minutes went by. Jennie looked
toward the village, and then toward the
man beneath the elm tree.
cit is just as if the great Lord him.
self were sitting there, she said at last
IN an awed tone. And then, slowly turn
ing, she retraced her steps. When she
reached the tree, her childish lips were
almost colorless, SO terrible had been
the struggle; but In her young eyes shone
steady and resolute resolve. She put
her hand In her pocket and drew forth
the money.
OOOI bhhS Iu6SS bWO uOA-
lars and go home" she said.
Inc man pushed up the bandage from
his ewes and looked at her.
"Whatl' he cried in surprise, putting
aside her extended hand. "No, no, 1
can't take it.
"You must, it is my own. I earned
it picking berries. was going to buy
a big dolly; but-but-" her voice
choking-"Pd rather give the money
to you. We couldn't say our prayers
tonight, Dot and |, If left you sitting
here
She forced the money into his hand.
"What's your name?" he asked.
"Where do you live ?"
"Jeanie Goodwin's my name-I live
across yonder, at Hazelvood cottage.
Good-by."
The last few words ended with sob,
aud Jeanie darted away to hide the tears
she could not keep back.
"Dot, we won't erieve, will we ?" she
whispered that night, clasping her little
sister as they nestled together in the
same bed, "Only think, Dot, tits just
the same as If the great Lord himself
had been sitting there, under the elm
tree, and we gave our money to him,
We won't fret about the big dolly, Dot?"
"No, of course" answered Dot,
obligingly, "and the rag dolly's just as
good after all. !"
Years went by; years of patient and
incessant toll to the widow and her chill
dren, at Hazelwood cottage. But their
combined efforts failed to keep want
from their door. Dot was almost help.
less, and the mother herself was frail
and at last fell Ill. The heavy burden
of care rested on Jeanie's shoulders.
One winter afternoon found her very
sad of heart. Her mother was in need
of nourishment and medical attention;
poor little Dots pale face betrayed her
lack of strong, wholesome food, and a
debt hung over the cottage which would
soon make them homeless.
Suddenly she remembered that it was
Christmas day. But, alas! there was no
Christmas cheer for then, much less
Christmas gifts. And yet how she
would have liked to buy some little
trihe' for Dot!
Jeanie stood in the door, and looked
out at the fast-falling snow. A tall,
slender girl, graceful as a young willow,
with a sweet, sad face, and tender, reso-
Lutte eyes. It was an inclement after
noon; but Jeanne was determined to face
the storm. She had formed purpose.
"Dot," she whispered, approaching
her sisters low char, "I'm going to see
DR.. Farnsworth. Don't let mother
know. / shall not be gone long, dear.
She left the cottage, and crossed the
fields with rapid step, the snow beating
IN her face. The old meadow still stood
at the crossing, and, just beyond it, the
giant elm tree. Jeanne paused for
breath minute; her eyes filing with
tears. 1t saddens US sometimes, to see
how strong and changeless nature is,
when the dearest treasures of our hearts
seem to be slipping away from us.
jeanne burned on, under the snow
laden branches of the elm trees, and
along the self-same patch her childish
feet had trod on that memorable day
when she was on her way to purchase
the big dolly. She did not recall the
circumstances. however; other and graYer
thoughts filled her mind.
She reached the village after fatigu-
ing walk, and made her way to DIR.
Farnsworth's residence. The old ply
sIclan'S son, q disciple OF Esculaplus,
Just returned from abroad, and getting
ready to step into his fathers shoes, oc-
cupied the sitting room, into which
Jeanie was ushered. He rose 30 his
feet, poll ely inquiring in what way he
could serve her.
"Thank you; but it's old DR.. Farms
worth | wish to see, please, " said Jeanne,
In her sweet, soft voice.
And the young doctor left the room
thinking he had never seen a sadaer or
a loveher face. ...-.-.-
+" Why, bless my soul, here you are;
and I had just ordered my buggy to
come over and see you, ;, exclaimed the
elder physician when he appeared.
"Then you know my mother is i'll ?"
said Jennie, with flushing cheeks.
"No, didn't; is she lii %
IS Yes, sir; she's been i'll for weeks,
replied Jeanne, speaking rapidly, lest
her courage should fail her; but she
wouldn't allow me to come to you, sir,
because-because we haven't the money
to pay. But / can't see her die for
want of medical aid: and. IF yOu'U ONLY