The clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1883-1888, 1885-12-23

=
ed such a being"
"Existed!' cried Ethel. interrupting
IN CONSERVATION.
We'll, then, ~ said Mrs. Alvin
quizzlcally, III Santa Claus were the
being your fancy has been taught to
paint him, do you think he would for
ever spend his time in visiting the ten
derly-eared-for children OF the wealthy,
while many poor children cry piieously
for bread?"
Ethel looked serious now.
Does he faecsF visit poor children.
mammal"
mo, MY dear; l am certain it was
not with thoughts of our poor neigh
Dor. Hill. that your mind was occupied
when your eyes followed objects in the
landscape just now. Yet / know by
the wlstful look which / can see plain
ly on little face at the window, that
that child scarcely knows the meaning
of Christmas"
ny, mamma, that must be Elsie
Hull Wait I'LL | see if it is not,n she
cried. running to the window to assure
herself Yes, but she has gone as if
/ frightened her away. What a sweet
sad face 1t is, On, it can't be that /
am TO have everything aud that dear
little thing nothing. / would rather
give up my Christmas"
Mrs. Alvin smiled and kissed her
child upon the forehead, but did NOT
promise to help her out, for she was
called away, leaving Ethel in a brown
study, which did not last long. for she
exclaimed:
Il have it: need not give up my
Christmas, for papa would be dis
| pleased and call it romantic. Surely,
I've lots of money in my bankr'
She ran and took the bank from it.
hiding-place, aud behold! when she
| broke it upon the hearth, it was empt,
of all save few coins. She had for
| gotten that lovely dolls carriage
| purchased few weeks ago, had ex
hausted the eXchequer
In the course OF a few nights a little
oratorio, tor some charitable purpose
was given by the children of the town
Ethel, with her fair face and wonder
ful child soprauo-what Miriam she
made!
''She is lovely" was the universal
verdict ''How well she comprehends
the noble role for SO small child! how
radiantly she becomes her costumel A
triumph, indeed was repeated over
and over by the delighted listeners.
But whisper went around among
some vinegary faced personages;
Stuff? her tunic is only paper mus
linz
WHAT said another, ''the daugh-
ter of Paul Alvin dressed in paper
muslin?' quite in contempt; well, ]
do say!' And then. in another strain:
"Well, whatever it is, she carries it as
queen shouldr' and so on.
Paul Alvin happened to be in suffi-
ciently near proximity to overhear one
or two remarks, and comprehended
their drift. \ great frown crossed his
handsome face, and he turned inquir-
ingly to his wife, saying angriIy, some
what above a whisper:
What can all this nonsense meant
L supplied Ethel with money for the
dressmaker, with directions TO provide
silk. 1t Is impossible that she should
have mlsused the money!
Hush, dear, said his wife softly;
''it must be all right
But it" ne persisted, only Mrs.
Alvin placed her hand so pleadingly
on his arm that he forebore to persist
further.
They congratulated Ethel next morn
ing with many Pheasant words express
siNe of thelr parental pride in her
achievement.
"But your costume dearr' said her
mamma, in gentle depreciation.
s.Oh, mammal she exclaimed, and
raised her eyes filed With penitent
tears, Il did not intend to mortify you,
and l did not wear the paper muslin
to please myself quite exactly, only
only Her sobs were choking her,
SO her papa said earessingly:
''No matter, dear; tell me about il
some other time. By the way, you
have made me so proud of you, you
may tell me what you want for youl
| Christmas.
Now, papa?" cried Ethel, smiles,
like April sunshine, breaking suddenly
through her tears.
Yes, miss, this minute.
'Then l want nothing but silver
| pieces, to do as please with-that is
if you are willing, papa" !"
''Well, well; this is an odd request
So you wish to take your Christmas in
to your own hands, do you? But, now
| 4 nave pfOulScd, Will uOL IettdCt-
Here is your Christmas money now.
Spend it in the way that will make you
happiest. "
Ethel kissed her fathers hand anC
bounded away to count her money.
Il would give her more, dear child
but we have the poor to remember
and she has enough for selfish pleas
ure.
1t was Christmas Eve, and Elsie, tn,
woodcutter's 5 child, weary of watching
ths many lights that bazed from tn,
windows OF the mansion, hoping tC
| catch a glimpse of Santa Claus or o
the pretty Ethel, and of watching tht
swift sleighs skimming over the snow
with their merry bells, had slippeC
over to her box by the old fireplace
She was crying quietly as she could
She did not wish to disturb her parent
with her troubles, for she had a thank
fui little heart, and she was sure the.
did all they could for her.
Pleasant times for the rich folk
wife," said Estes father, as he fin
ished his homely meal" but our littI
bird gets none of ii" and he passes
the back OF his sleeve across his eyes
and then pushed up the long lock Q
hair which fell over his forehead.
''Why papa" cried Elsie, yexed tha
she had been observed, Il am fool
ish, selfish girl to cry. You and mann
ma are so good to me. Aud there
sister Christiana' baby, that is bette
than doll. If only you had a war;
coat and mamma some better tea
| =
Here there came knock at th
door-three strange, soft, Kittens
taps. Elsie shrank half frightened il
to as small space as possible in th
chimney corner. Mr.. and Mrs. H
looked at each other blankly, and
was so still, inside the room and ou
that the latch seemed to lit of its ow
accord. and there, right before then
dressed all in fur from head to foot,
! stood Ethel, the pet and heiress. an
Elsie was not sure it was really tru
till Ethel's voice rang musicall
. through the room, saying: ..Shall
come right in?'' while she smile
: sweetly as she caught sight of Elsie.
{ s.Yes, miss, and welcome. 4 merr
2 Christmas to you. Excuse wife-she
not able to walk o. nights But woul
; you kindly accept a cnair?" said /
awkwarIly brushing of the clean sc:
Q OF the best wooden chair aud placin
L it in the middle OF the room.
Thanks, said Ethel sweetiy, ar
nearly lost her composure climbing il
Q to it. Then she folded her hands an
nestled down among her furs IN such
g pretty fashion that was so little-girli:
that Elsie was tempted to-run over ar
touch her downy cape with her clea
z slender fingers, and did so caressingl
u ..Oh, how lovely!' said she in d
y light .Oh. I'm so glad you're here
+ aud she spanned her chest with h
}; fragile hands, ciasped by the four ii
II - af4,.. Z, rnr,r.o,- faSh him Ill her nrE