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

arms about her neck and casting q
bright glance toward the fire. e-place,
where two little stockings were suspen-
ded, Nellie, her mothers namesake,
said:
we must ask good Santa Claus first
FLOR what we want, and then we can go
to bed, mamma
Mrs. Martin sighed. Little chance
there was for gifts at this holiday time.
Alone in the world, her husband dead,
and her only brother alienated ard
wandering, she knew not where, her
utmost exertions for the last twelve
months had scarce sufced to win for
Lthem the barest necessities. 1t was hard
to disappoint their childish faith; and
her eyes filled with tears as she an
swered sadly:
L fear Santa Claus will pass us by
tonight, my darling. He is little likely
to find his way to our poor home.
oh, yes, he will, mamma cried Ed.
die, confidently; he has never forgotten
lis before, and l know he won't this
time l mean to call up to him right
away.
A slight sound outside, at this. mo-
ment, as of foot crushing the crisp
snow, caused Mrs. Martin to start; then
she resumed her sewing, while Eddie
approached the chimney, and in his
clear, childish voice petitioned Santa
Claus not to forget them, but to bring
the overcoat, cap, and boots, so sorely
need, d, ard whatever toys he could
spare from his generous store beside.
There, nowl he exclaimed, stepping
back, his little cheeks glowing with
anticipation. Now, Nellie, it's your
turn.
The little girl advanced timidly, and
bent her grave face down with grave
earnestness.
Dear Santa Claus she called, sweet
ly, please come tonight and bring us u
few presents. Mammas s afraid you'll
forget us, but | know you won't
Now, mamma, she SAID, returning to
her mother, with her little face radiant
with the trust her words had inspired,
you ask him for something, and then
he'll come, I'm sure. lie won't disap-
point al! Of u.s..
Mrs. Martin smiled through her
tears.
You will have to ask him for me,
Nellie. He doesn't listen to Old peo-
pie
Very we'll, mamma. What shall !
ask him for?'
But Mrs. Martin didn't hear her in
the emotions that overpowered her.
Oh, tAat some good angel would
guide lay brothers wandering footsteps
back to me, she faltered. brokenly,
that might offer him my forgiveness,
and ask lis, that might once more
have synlpathizing heart to love and
lean upon.
She bowed her head upon her hands
and wept, while the child, slipping
from her side, again stepped forward to
the chimney.
Dear Santa Claus once more she
pleaded, won't you please bring Uncle
Eddie back to mamma? She wants to
forgive him, she cries for him every
day. Oh, dear Santa Claus, say you
wiil!'
What made the little one start back.
while a bright spot sprang to either
check.
Upon the low root of the cottage a
slight sound was heard, and then down
the chimney came the words earnest
and clear.
I will
With bated breath, Nellie fastened
back to her mother who in the violence
OF her grief, had not heard aught that
passed.
Mamma she whispered, Santa
Claus was there, know, for he an
swered me. Uncle will come.
Mrs. Martin kissed her little girl
with a sad, incredulous smile.
Let us hope he will, my love. And
now you must go to bed without further
delay. and laying her work aside she
arose to see her little ones in their
humble couch.
While the little children had been
engaged at their play man had ap-
preached the cottage from without, and
pausing in front of it, surveyed it
gloomily.
And Ibis is the place to which she
has bee, driven he murmured he
~ n IL