Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1886-12-24
THE BLUE SATIN DOLL
A CHRISTMAS STORY.

1t was rather late on Christmas Eve
when | entered Broadway toy-store In
search OF some Of those long-priced but
short lived articles without which |
should not, OH the morrow, have dsred
TO face my numerous family. The in
ventive powers Of toy-makers seem to
grow greater each year, aud the almost
endless array made a choice embarrass-
ing. Before me OIL the show case moved
with much whiring and clicking pro-
cession of mechanical figures set in mo-
tion by an indefatigable but evidently
very tired salesman, whose face seemed
to express q wish that his machinery
could be allowed TO run down for the
night. While l was debating between
the merits Of a black bear that snapped
and snnrled and clawed at the inofiend-
ing air in u way calculated to delight any
boy and frighten any girl of tender
years, and those Of a miniature "Jum-
bo," whose slow movements were lu-
dierous reproduction Of those Of the
deeply y-lamemted original, my attention
was diverted by voice, at the doll de-
partment, asking:
"What 10 the price of the large doll in
blue satin?"
| had glanced with rather longing
eyes at that doll as had passed ii y few
moments before; but feeling sure that
the possession of her flaXcn ladyship
would be too costly luxury, l had not
inquired the figure at which she was
held. had, however, some curiosity 10
know, and listened tor the reply.
"Thirty dollars! But can show you
dressed dolls, all the way from ten dol
lars"
Something in the unusually abrupt,
almost contemptuous tone Of the sales
woman caused me to turn and look to
whom she was speaking. The figure OF
a man, twisted and distorted in the most
terrible manner by some accident or ILL.,
ness, stood or rather was propped up
against the counter. Crutchss helped to
hold him, but even so supported, his
head and neck could only have been Wis
ible to the saleswUman. His clothes
were shiny aud almost threadbare, and
were evidently rapidly reaching the
stage where genteel poverty loses itself
in rags. His face was turned from me,
but recognized the man as one who
had frequently come into my office sell
ing pens and pencils. l had from time
to time made small purchases Of him,
and had been impressed with the fact
that he always refused any offers OF
charity, though welcoming eagerly the
chance to dispose OF his small wares.
The extreme incongruity between his
apparent position aud the blue satin
doll was as striking to me as it had been
to the girl behind the counter, and
waited with some anxiety 10 see what,
II anything, he would buy.
Il do not want 4 cheap doll" he said,
without trace of resentment, "but $50
is more than can pay. Can you not
make some reduction?"
81 will ask the manager" answered
the girl; and she passed across the store
in search of him.
By this time, | had become so much
interested between the bear and the ele-
phant, and Sitting feeling Of delicacy
which for a moment or two made me
hesitate, walked to the doll counter
ostensibly to look ut It's contents. but re.
ally 10 see the end OF this strange nego'
tiation. The man, somewhat 10 my sur
prise and chagrin, recognized me, as ht
moved with difficulty little TO one side
10 give me more room.
Good evening, Mr.. Roberts," he said
"you are buying Christmas presents,
see."
Eyes. have several little claimant
who will not be ignored. And you ar
buying n doll!" felt that l was un
wxrrantsbly seeking to intrude mysel
into his affairs, but / could not rssis
the temptation.
Il am trying to, sir. This one; bu
they ask more money tha Eve got"
was about to make some remark
which / hoped would draw something
more from him, when the saleswoma
returned.
"0ur manager says as ii is getting s
late. he will make the price $25. Fhi
is very cheap. Ii is the bandsomest do
in the store"
81 know it is" observed my singuls
acquaintance, "that is why wanted !
will take it at t25. Please have
packed in box without any mark