Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1885-12-23


beautiful to see. Truly it is ''more bless
ed to give than to receive"
81 have nothing for you," said Bessie,
soberly, after while; 'but never mind;
when l am lady you will see the nice
things l will give you. But must go and
and tell papa; he will be glad, I know, that
I am SO happy"
So she hurried to dress, and, bearing the
rosebush in her hands, went to her father s
room. In moment more she was sitting
on his bed, looking, he thought, more like
an angel visitor than an earthly child, her
fair little face pale with excitement and her
great hazel eyes sparkling with pleasure.
sMerry Christmas, papa and oh
have had such beautiful dream about
mamma. She came to me and she wore a
pink dress, and l have been with her all
night, having such a nice time; and when
| awoke, what do you think, there was this
rose by my bed smelling 80 sweet. I'm
sure I smelled it in my sleep. And bird
real live bird, one for my own. Kathleen
and Bridget gave it all, and | am so hap
pyp'
Mr.. Irving caught the child in his arms,
and tears we're in his eyes. His dreams
were troubled that night, and he had felt un.
easy and disturbed in mind, and with the
light of Christmas morning it became clear
to him that in cheering and making happy
his child so peace would come to his own
heart.
Il have been bad papa" he said. 81
who should have been the first one to give
you pleasure, had forgorten it in my sell
fishness and sorrow. Now you shall have
a present of new father, who will try bard
to make you happy as long as he lives
Kathleen and Bridget shall each have a
new gown before the day is over for the
kind thought of my little girl, and we will
see what we can do to have good time,
too, by-and-by. Now go and see Aunt
Susan" and away ran Bessie like deer
to tell her story again.
After breakfast Mr.. Irving had little
private conversation with Aunt Susan and
went out telling Bessis to be ready for a
sleighride in an hour. When the time came
he drove to the door with large sleigh and
two horses; the happy child was bundled in
among the robes and away they went. How
those bells did ring They seemed to be
saying, 'NIerry Christmas, Bessie, Merry
Christmas - And the horses pranced
along as if they enjoyed the keen, frosty
air. Everybody looked happy that they
met. The boys out trying their new skates
and sleds; the girls giving their new dolls
an airing; even the butchers and the grocers
had dressed up their carts with spriggs of
green, and looked jolly as they drove up
delivering turkeys and other good things.
'Where are we going, papa?" asked Bessie,
from her wrappings; the most to be seen of
her was little red nose and two bright
eyes. 'Well, thought we would go and
borrow some Of Aunt Kates children to
spend the day with you. She has so many
that she can spare half a dozen of the
youngest as well as not" "That is just
the best plan," said the child.
And there was great rejoicing among the
small-fry Then Mr. Irving drove up to
his sisters door and requested the company
of as many children as she could spare or
could be packed into the sleigh. After a
short delay, spent in getting on best frocks,
washing little hands and faces, and smooth
ing rough cu,ls off they went for a good
ride into the country. Then home with
Bessie to get warm, and play games until
dinner-time.
Mr.. Irving devoted himself to the children
all day. He was surprised at the number
Hf s-a eresting stories he remembered, That
the children pronounced splendid" he
directed their sports and found himself
the life and centre of their fun.
The day passed quickly for himself as
we'll as for the little ones. And when the
time came for them to go home, Aunt Susan
brought in large bag, with queer-looking
bumps sticking out on all sides. The
children shut their eyes and each drew out
in turn Christmas gift.
\ This was the crowning feature of delight
kday, and with much shouting, laughing
kissing they said Good night! Mr..
lrvn 1eaked fairly radiant as he came in
TO tne Rfter seeing the children safe
~ nome; Rbetter than l have for many
a. a ga day, ~, ne ssa sa kpnt Susan agreed, too,
that they had e. ID pleasant season.
81 have had just ID day." said Bessie
as she kissed her father od night. and I
feel ten years younger TN - did yester-
day."
"You must feel very young, t Laugh
ed Mr.. Irving, ''seeing you al.SdAA Ten
years DID,"
So Bessie's Christmas proved a happy
one. The bright dream of her mothers
presence fingered about her all day, and
the old lonely feelings did not once come
to trouble her. The unusual gentleness Of
her father toward her, and his cheerful ap-
proving smile, her pretty gifts and healthy
frolic with her cousins, had filled her with
gladness, and so we leave her, with all
other good children, tired with their Christ
mas pleasure, wishing them many more
happy holidays.