The clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1883-1888, 1884-12-17
CHAPTER II,

"When she wakes in the morning. Agnes,
do not question her, leave her to tell her
story at her own time. Only make her feel
welcome here; remember it is Christmas
time, when He, who was the Spirit of Chari-
ty was born amongst us. The girl has a
good sweet face, and is habted like lady.
Let that suffice; let her understand we see
no wrong in her, and she will then trust us"
Come, Ally" he said to the child 'Iet
me wrap you in this, and take you to bed
You puss, it is almost what you call morn
ing time"
The child allowed her father to wrap her
up snugly, but protested against going to
bed directly minute"
She was cold, she said, and wanted some
negus and mince-pie like Agnes had got for
papa.
And as usual she had her own way, and
sat on the rug by Drifts side till she fell fast
asleep, her pretty dark head cradled on his
warm coat.
Then with a CHEEKY good night. Pierce
picked her up and carried her to her little
bed. AS he laid her down she whispered
drowsily:
Papa, will Santa Claus bring the pretty
lady present to put in her stocking? See
she hangs it out-I have mine. Kiss me
goodnight
The dark \lashes swept the rosy cheek,
and in second the dear little one slept
and dreamt Of beneficent Christmas fairies
fine gifts, and Christmas cheer.
Pierce thought of her words. Why should
not the poor outcast be remembered kindly
by him?
He picked bit of holly, all ruddy berries,
and hastily going to the best parlor, he pick
ed his only flower, Christmas-rose grow
Ill terra-cotta pot, painted with swallows
and wild roses.
This he bound together with piece Of
cord, and sat down to write Christmas
card.
when you wake you will find yourself
among friends who do not want to question
your past, but only wish to help and sue
cor you. God bless you and restore you to
happiness, is the sincere prayer of your true
friend, PIERCE PENFoLD."
When Dorothy woke next morning. the
Christmas bells were ringing merrily, the
frosty sunlight shone in, and showed an
old-fashioned room, exquisitely clean and
neat, with look of comfort and LONELINESS
about it.
On tiny table by her bedside stood a
piece of shining holly and Christmas rose
in glass, beneath which lay a Christmas
card, prettily painted, and upon it the reas-
surfing words Pierce had written the night
before.
Childish laughter sounded in the hall and
the patter of childish feet.
Dorothy sat up in bed hastily, and caught
sight of herself in the glass panel of the
wardrobe, and for all her sorrow laughed
outright at the queer figure she cut in old
Agnes's nightcap, and much befrilled bed
gown.
Her head was little dizzy, and her limbs
ached, but otherwise she felt little the worse
for that fall in the snow-drift, which must
have proved fatal but for the timely help of
her generous host and his dog.
She took the flowers tenderly, and read
the kind words written on the card.
Then she united her cap, sat up, and rub
bed her eyes.
The memory of the night before at first
was dim and indistinct, then it gained force
and clearness, and stood vividly out before
her, dyeing her cheeks with shamed GRIM
son.
She waADill regarding the card with CRATE
full tear-dimmed eyes, when aknock came
to the door, and in reply to her timid Come
in" little Ally, in all the glory of crimson
sash ard stockings, and white cashmere
dress few in, her arms full of toys.
Agnes followed, her kind old face flushed
with cooking breakfast.
She carried tray covered with a snowy
cloth, On which was a cup Of fragrant tea
fresh eggs, and tempting kidney, aud put
Ii down beside the bed with the hearty: "a
merry Christmas TO youp so dear to old En-.
gland.
Little Ally climbed upon the bed and
showed her Christmas gifts, saying in her
pretty wayl
I'VE are all glad to have you here. Papa
says you are Christmas guest, and as il is
our Savior's birthday everyone is welcome
for his sake. Eat your breakfast, and come
down quiek-sharp; papa is waiting to see
you"
agnes has ironed your clothes and Patty
has put them outside all clean and warm.
Why did you come SO late?"
L came when your kind papa brought me-
What is your name, little one, and how old
are Jou?'
II am FIVE next birthday. Ny name is
Ally Penfold, and l am papa's sweet pet"
With kind nod, after putting down the
tray, old Agnes brought in tie girls clothes,
and left her masters guest to tieaentertain-
ment of his little daughter, who was dis
posed to be very friendly.
Where is your mamma, dear little Ally?''
"Gone away for always" in a mysterious
whisper.
Has she gone to God, dear9 Is she dead?"
Il don't know. But once papa said she
| was worse than dead. What did he mean?,
Il cannot tell you, dear. Some day he
will explain, perhaps"
/ Dorothy ate some breakfast, and dressed
| hurriedly watched ali the time by the child's
bright eyes.
When she put on her pretty black dress,
that Agnes had freshene1 up so cleverly,
she stood perplexed by her Sort sleeves
and bare breast. just then knock came to
the door, and old Agnes entered with a
white lace fichu on her arm, and pair of
| crimson mittens in her hand.
See here, my dear; this viii make YOU
dress more suitable, and here is a piece oi
flannel to fix across your chest"
Dorothy took the things gratefully, say
ing:
How good you are to me! / shall neve
forget your kindness
The old woman patted her cheek kindly
and said:
4 Nonsense, child; am only too pleased
TO see you able to get up. ] feared yo'
would be i'll. Come down, 1t Is very cold
and there is nice fire in the parlor."
Dorothy looked very quaint and pretty, as
with timid step and dowh-dropped eyes, sh
entered the handsome sitting-room holding
Ally's hand.
Mr.. Penfold threw down his book. an'