Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1885-12-25
A FOOLS CHRISTMAS

Everybody said that the Carson children
had done very well with themselves since
their parents died Indeed, there were those
who considered it quite providential that
they had been thrown on their own resources,
since their father had been anything but a
model of financial success and their mother a
lily like woman who had never thrived in
the rude western garden into which she had
been transplanted
Both died in the same week, and the children
at once set about the business of life with
great good sense They had not dollar left
when everything was settled. Even the old
house was sold away from them. But they
decided to hold together and get their share of
the worlds chances. There were five of
them-George, Catherine, Julia, Annette and
Davy
Nobody ever mentioned Davy who did not
speak his name softly and with an accent of
gentle pity, for he was simple minded He
was a fool. Though he was large and well
formed, at sixteen his face was as vacant as
baby's But there was mo harm in him."
the neighbors said He was just a big in
FAINT, pleased with the trihes that delight the
very least of children, and of as little use, as
usefulness is reckoned in this blind old world,
as the weeds that grow on the hillsides or the
VIII Wines unaC cnOKo Cno gram
Yet he wasn't disagreeable figure to look
at. His appearance never excited repulsion,
only pity. He was always well dressed, and
the yellow curls that covered his big head
IKE fleece were always brushed and shin
ing. Though his vacant brown eyes were
sometimes misty with tears, they knew moth
ing of anger. He had a laugh for every
body and was invariably happy. He could
NJ -
troubles which beset all humanity born to
superior endowments. His world was so lit
tie and so comfortable, SO simple and so
beautiful, so entirely without distress or
dread, that he was absolutely happy
Mothers of bright boys just beginning to
make places for themselves in the world
sighed as they looked at Davy Carson and
recalled his image when he was a chubby
baby toddling by his mothers side.
They recalled him as he had often sat by
her as she sewed, on the shady porch, putting
the words of his small vocabulary together
to express his pleasure The dogs and the
cats, the swallows that built their nests under
the roof of the old porch, the squirrels that
sometimes flashed through the yard the but
terfies and even the bees knew Davy. He
who could talk only haltingly to men and
women knew the language the voiceless crea-
lures understand. Many the DAYS he passed
In their company, laughing and happy
And so he grewup-grew in body though
scarcely at all in mind. 1t was pitiful
to see him. almost a man in stature, holding
his hands below some foolish toy, baby's
mug, or glass bird, when another examined
1t, chldishly eager to protect it from possible
carelessness.
In but two things did he advance-kind-
ness and love. Though his intellect stood
Still his spiritual senses seemed somehow to
grow. lnstinctively he understood that all
living things were entitled to kindness and
in hs poor, simple fashion he was forever
trying 10 help the helpless. His mind was
not clouded there. Higher than the intellect
sits the soul. Through the strange veil that
shrouded his mind the simple boys soul
locked out clear and beautiful. Literally and
absolutely did he fulfill the golden rule-he
who could not understand a law, who knew
moi a line of injunction, who had no idea of
reward or punishment of heaven or hell of
God or demon. Yet he did all that the wisest
of lis ar commanded to do
And 50 he grew up-big, simple, kind and
LOVING.
When his father and mother died-bo h
were carried to the cemetery on the sam
day--Davy was dazed by the strangenes, o
1t all; but he could not understand tina anv
thing IN the nature of a calamity had OF
Cured. He tiptoed over the room and spok
in whispers, not because he was awed by t.
presence of death. but for fear noise wont
disturb their s.eep
When he saw them no more he called tn,
often, searched for them again and aga
and waited for them always with patience
that was more than mortal, and a longing
that made his childish face at times look old
and sick.
There were days when he was so sure they
would come back that he sat by the gate from
morning until night, looking down the street
over which the long dark wagon had driven
when it carried them away asleep-sat there
hopeful and happy, eager to be the first to
greet them.
One day Reverend Winthrop walked by
and was touched by the longing in the boys
face, The hunger of the heart had temper
arily extinguished the look of vacancy in his
eyes, and they burned with pathos that was
indescribable He sat rocking a WORKOUT
doll in his strong arms alternately kissing
and holding it up that it might see those he
waited for while they were still far off.
"What are you doing, Davyln said the min
ister kindly.
"Waitin' for mother'n father answered
the big child his face breaking into a laugh
at the mention of their names
Mr.. Winthrop had kind heart, but was
sometimes clumsy in his methods of impart-
ing instruction. He revered the truth, and
thought he ought to bring it within the COM
prehension of the child's feeble mind: and so,
with the best intentions in the world, he be-
gan by trying to rob him of his sweet hope
"They will never come, Davy; never,
never in this world again"
"Ehl' said the boy, and the momentary
look of hope gave way to one of bewilder-
ment He did not understand
The minister continued: They viii never
come, Davy. Not to-day, nor tomorrow,
nor next day, nor next Neveri neverl
They cannot come They are dead"
Dead! deadr echoed the child, looking
into distance. dead like the birds that
can't ny or sing; like the dog that kept %
stdll and was put into the ground; Ike ths