Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1886-01-08
NELLIES PRESENT,

NELklE , ShG0GN1,
Itwas near Christmas-onlyt two days
before the worlds holiday and the show
windows of all the village stores were
CAV with beautiful Christmas gifts. 1t
was really worth ones while to stroll
leisurely down the principal streets,
and look at the pretty things so tempt
ingly displayed, and dream of the joy
GUS groups gathered in many homes at
Christmas tide.
So at least thought Mr.. Wells How
ard, tall, fine-looking gentleman, who
had health and wealth, and plenty of
leisure, but no home. 1t was not the
fault of the good mothers OF Mapleton,
nor of their pretty daughters. that Mr..
Howard had reached the ripe age OF
thirty-fiye, and was sill boarder at
one of the village hotels. Any one OF
them would have joyfully devoted her.
self to the task of making him home
and helping him spend his ample for
tune. However, this eccentric gentle
man managed to dispose of pretty large
sums in way that pleased at least him.
self.
This morning he had walked half tie
length of the village street, when he
came upon picture which caused him
to stop suddenly, and watch the pretty
tableau which was before him.
Within the show window, surrounded
by all kinds of bright, beautiful things,
stood large waxen doll, with lovely
blue eyes, and coral lips, and floating
curls OF bright, golden hair. Outside,
her little blue hands clasped in an &C.
stacy of delight little girl of eight
years stood gazing at dolly, exclaiming:
"Oh-h-h! You darling beauty!'
Mr.. Howard glanced from one picture
to the other. The same blue eyes and
golden hair, only the lips of the living
eyes were pinched and pale. and her
dress was thin and scanty, and upon
her poor little feet were only worn out
CATERS and thin, white stockings. She
did not seem to mind the cold, for her
whole heart was absorbed in admiration
of the beautiful doll.
"Would you like the pretty doll for
your own, little girl?" said voice be-
side her, and poor little Nell started
violently.
Looking up into the dark, kindly face,
beaming upon her, then down upon her
poor, patched dress, and worn out
shoes
ooh, sir, it is too nice for such as l."
she answered, looking around for a
chance Of escape, for quite crowd Of
little people were now gathered around
the fine window, admiring the French
doll.
"Come with me-" he said, quietly
taking hold of her arm, and leading her
wlthiR the door.
"Miss," he said to the obsequious
young lady who came forward, "be so
good as to find a pair of scarlet stock
ings and mittens for this child and a
warm pair of CATERS, and put the large
doll in the window in box"
The girl obeyed with wide-open eyes,
bowing low as she gave him back the
change for the bill which he put in her
hand.
Little Nell came forward with pref
ty flush upon her pale cheeks, and he
put out his hand, saying
az wish you a merry Christmas, little
one, with your twin sister in the box"
and he placed the box in her hand.
Nellie caught the extended hand, and
kissed it, while two warm tears fell
upon it; but when she tried to thank
him, he was gone.
1t was not many minutes later, that
little Nell carefully opened the door of
the poor little room which she called
home, her eyes sparkling and her
cheeks glowing with happiness. In one
corner of the room her father lay pale
and hollow eyed, upon a poor looking
couch, while near the window sat her
mother busily engaged at the sewing
machine. She stopped moment, as the
door opened. and pressed her hand up
on her side.
"See, mamma! see, papa!" she ex-
claimed, holding up her scarlet mittens
and her prettily clad foot. "And, oh,
see-.' and she opened the box and hello
up the beautiful doll with Its delicate
robes of silk and lace. at is my very
own"
"Who? what!" gasped the poor
mother, then burst into tears.
"Don't mamma; don't cry. III tell
YOU all about it. l haven't been naughty,
indeed have not"
sob darling! know it is all right.
You never took what was not your
own; but it carries me back to the hap
nv Christmas in my own dear old
home," then glancing toward the sick
man she said, "Now, dear, will lis
ten."
Nellie told the story just as it had oe-
CURED.
s'It must have been Howard. 1t is
just like him." said the sick man.
"Bat he doesn't know u.s." said Mrs.