Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1885-12-24

me. One word of intimatlon that the
past would be forgotten and forgiven,
would reconcile us again, and make us
both so happy
As he stood there, irresolute, his eye
fell upon the low roof, and a sudden
and novel idea entered his mind.
THE children will doubtless be peti-
tIoning Santa Claus for Christmas gifts;
and how l should like to play the part
of the good saint in their behalf, and
lar exceed all they could ask. With
my ear to the chimney I could hear all
they say and if one word Of tender
remembrance reaches me | will 70 to
her, acknowledge my error, and bring
on this Christmas Eve, happiness, joy
and peace to her heart, There will be
no one passing this lonely place, and
there is no danger Of my being seen."
Possessed with this idea, and tremb-
ling with excitement, he drew himself
slowly and carefully upon the wooden
palings, and from thence gained the
roof He had scarcely secured him
self at his novel post when Eddies
sturdy voice reached his ear, followed
by the gentler accents OF his little
niece. Then followed short silence
and disappointed and sad, he was
about to vacate his post, when once the
soft silvery tones came floating up:
Dear Santa Claus, won't you please
bring Uncle Eddie pack to mamma! !
She wants to forgive him, she cries for
him every day. Oh, dear Santa Claus,
say you will p
The mans eyes grew heavy with joy.
full tears and almost involunt arily, he
made the answer which had so sur
priscd his little niece and then slid
ing noiseessly down. sped with rapid
steps toward the distant City.
An hour had passed, and Mrs. Mar.
tin still sat with her head bowed upon
her hands,and her mind travelling sor-
rowfully over the past. Three years
before she had been happy in the love
of husband and brother now she
WAS bereft of both. A dispute, trivial
in its commencement, had arisen be-
tween the two men both We're proud,
high tempered, and hasty; aud al
though word from her, titly spoken
would have sufiiced TO pour oil on the
troubled waters, and res ore all to
peace and harmony again, it was with.
held and taking sides with her hus-
band, she added her reproaches and re-
examinations to his =; and the war wag-
ed iiercer and fercer, until in mo-
ment of ungovernable passion she bade
him leave her house, and never darken
her doors again.
Bitterly had she since repented the
words when it was too late TO recall
them, and miles separated her from
the brother she had loved so dearly
And when at the end of two years her
husband died, leaving his business al
fairs so complicated and embarrassed,
that in a few months afterward she
had been driven to this meager home,
and de pite her utmost efforts destl'u-
ton stared them in the face, the bitter
sting Of poverty added to her grief and
remorse, until it seemed th"t life was
too great burden to bear and her
heart yearned to aching for the return
of that wandering brother, and the
soothing balm of peace and reconcilia-
ton.
oh, that my sweet Nellie's childish
fancies might be realized she mur-
INJURED, sadly; that there was some
good spirit to bear my love and repent
ance to my dear brother, and restore
him once more to my arms That
would be blessed Christmas gift, in
deed
Even while she spoke, low knock
sounded on the door, Rising from her
seat, she drew the bolt with trembling
haste, and threw the door open, to be
confronted by man, muffled up 50 as
to be unrecognizable and his arms full
of bundles.
will you allow Santa Claus to full
fiji the desires of the dear little ones
who have asked in such loving faith
tonight p he said, with grave sweet
ness then stepping into the room he
laid his bundles on the table, and
pushing his cap from his brow, con-
fronted her.
I have come back to you, Nellie. he
said holding out his arms 'for from
the lips of my own dear little neice I
have heard that am forgiven.
A low cry of 10y broke from the lips