Daily Republican., 1884-12-30

were cold aud stiff, body and heart
when brother Henry lifted them out
tenderly and carried them in doors.
Margaret, dressed in O pretty red
merino.protected by long white apron,
met them with bright SIN lie and in.
sisted they must be hungry after 80
long drive. As dinner would not be
ready for u whole hour, she brought
them some raisin cookies and milk,
which the tired children and their
father as we'll devoured with evident
relish. Mrs. Grover, eager to escape
her own feelings, hurries into the
kitchen to help Margaret little about
dinner. Meantime Margaret's hus-
band and his brother, IL very jolly
young countryman, did their utmost to
put the children In brighter spirits.
They succeeded well, and when dinner
was announced all felt keen appetite
for roast goose, and Q dozen danties
spread before them, while Belle
whispered in an audible tone, that
there was plenty Of candy and nuts.
Just lots"
Whether because there was 80 much
talking or 80 much eating, dinner pro.
| crossed slowly, certain it Is that the
early dusk found dessert just appearing
and the children's faces were bright
with satisfaction and enjoyment.
| The lights were brought and the plum
pudding put in blaze, which charmed
and terrified Belle at once. When the
children had made their wishes for New
Years and hidden each others nuts,
Margaret was to join them in the parlor
and see the magic lantern pictures
which Henry had to show them.
| For quite an hour all continued 20 be
entertained, the only break in the party
being made by the departure Of Henry g
brother William. The children begged
him to remain, but he could not and
they resumed the magic pictures with
undiminished pleasure.
When the repertoire was exhausted
and the family sat talking, the door OF
the parlor was quietly opened from the
in a fur coat, stepped into the room. A
light snow had been falling, and he
brought in on his ample shoulders q
few glistening flakes.
The wondering company made no
motion to welcome the stranger, 30
great was their surprise, but the old
gentleman showed no embarrassment
and proceeded to call the children to
him. With one accord they shrank
back refusing to accept his advances,
at which the stranger stamped his
short foot with great vehemence, and
started chorus of jingling bells. Sud.
denly at this revelation brother Henry
advanced with chair, inquiring the
name Of the intruder.
My name IL Santa Claus" was the
indignant reply. III am the friend ofall
good and abused children. l am late,
to be sure, but that is not my fault.
was a thousand miles away when ]
saw through my spy glass the outrage
oss way in which these little ones were
being treated. never punish DISC
bedience, which has been repented, on
Xmas day. The good Christ made it a
day of good will and joy and peace. Ii
would be we'll for older folks, oveI
whom Santa Claus exercises less care
that they do not magnify fanlts and
punish themselves. You SIR" looking al
Thompson Grover, "sent me no report
but bad one Of these dear children,
and came near not finding out youl
cruelty. Bad children l never give
presents, but ! cannot rest till every
good one is cared for. l see plainly YOU
were not expecting me. If my coat
had not been SO wet l should have
been burnt by the fire; the chimney
was smoking. Another time you will
know to expect me-"
Here the visitor paused to take
breath, and the children coming closer
to him asked timidly "And you are
really Santa Claus
For answer he left the room and re
turned with a basket of gifts which he
sat on the floor. Then with long
shrill whistle and an impatient move
ment, he vanished like the wind
through the hall and out of sight.
While the children, screaming and
scampering, ran for the chimney,
Thompson Grover leaned his head or
his hands and thought out the problem
| Of HIS fatherlv iuatIce