Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1886-12-23
A CHRISTMAS STORY.
NY Ton, Isin9oid.
written for the eazei:O and journal.

iorluef cu1iulsu BASe hAhuf Doohuoos VIC
selecting OF presents for our associates Is
very perplexing.
II we follow the plan of Harry Morris
10 bestowing our gifts We would have no
enibarrassments in our selections and
would find that onr joy would equal in
feryor that Of our younger days and have
q greatet depth of feeling
Harry was 10 years OF age, and II had
been lVs or six years since some school
inatea had sneeFinRly told him that "0ld
Ktiss" WAS nobody but his papa. This
robbed Harry of that delight which child
rem have Ia what is fRncifui and benefited
the iuformer not one iota. Since
then Mr.. and Mrs Morris have continued
10 make suitable presents 10 their boy at
Ohristnas.tide, thus filling the youths
heart with pleasure, but of more pro-
sale nature than formerly, For the last
three winters the boy had received gifte
from his companions aud, in turn, had
made presents. But this seemed too much
for form, and Harry was not pleased with
IL. 1t appeared TO be with no heartfelt
pleasure that the presents were ex-
changed, but il seemed merely formal
passing of compliments. He had noticed
that the giver generally expected some
thing in return the following Christmas,
and he we'll remembered how trouble
some il had been to select something to
give companion, from whom he had re-
ceived gift of a pocket knife. Further,
he had observed that, ut times, when
much pains had been taken in choosing
something TO present to others, he had
heard them talk about the meanness of
the gift. All Of these things only irri-
tated nature to which to bestow gift
was q heart-offering, and TO receive one
was no pleasure, unless he was well as
sured that it was heartily given.
Harry's father was wealthy, as also
were the parents of the lads companions;
hence you may sec that there must have
been the highest degree of convention
alism in all their social relations. The
boy declared that the next Christmas he
would not adhere to those customs that
Slapped from this holiday all the pleasure
there should be in it for the young. In
early summer he began to lay up his
pennies. When he WIS given dime to
get himself some ice cream, he would
frequently deny himself the luxury-his
soul feasting more substantially upon the
project he had in view, and in which the
silver piece would lend aid. The days
went by and Harry was soon mlngline
with his school mates at one of the city
grammar schools. He Joined in the
boyish sports with much enthusiasm, and
unlike some of the boys, did not hesitate
to take part in the modest games of those
of more humble parentage He said, u
much enjoy game of shinney with the
boys of the poor, for, with their rude
homemade implements they SO fully
enter into the spirit of the play
When Christmas drew nigh, Harry had
more than SO in his till, while Heretofore
the pennies that he might have thussayed
had been spent in some prodLless way. /
week before Christmas, MIR. Morris said
''My boy, doubtless your youthful mind
is filled with fancies as to what little
things You would buy for your OWL
amusement or as gifts to your compan
ions. Now, here is little purse for you
wants." His father turning away, Harr,
eagerly counted the silver, and 81 Il
more at his disposal. He was Hight,
elated, and, now, with about So, he began
to plan for investing it.
Two days before Christmas, after h
had returned from school, he hurriedl
goes down the street. Passing confet
tionary store, he muses., There is onl
momentary enjoyment in bon bons," an
goes on. Another candy store greets hi
eye. Surely such graceful display {
goods was never before seen. Behold
landscape of sweetnessl In the ample wiz
dow, there are mountains and hills {
French mixtures, toothsome nuts, pala
able carRmels, and other delicious thingt
Harry stands at the window and feast
with his eyes. Certainly, he cannot pas
this by. What boy with money in hi
pocket ever withstood such temptation
Other boys stop, gaze, and, yielding
the enticing display, go in; but Harr
Morris moves on. Soon he enters larg
toy store. On the right, scores of intel
esting games dominoes, chess, IN
bagatelle among others -were sprea
out to view. lie passes base-bails, bAti
toy guns, shooting crackers, and ut ONT
comes to the stand where musical instr
ments for vnun0 ematerrs are sol
Harry examines several viollas aud pa
i-..s the prica If one, soon leaves the stsr
Yol. may say Tint this boy hrs no /.
clination to boyish sports. Not so.
is as young for fun as any boy Of his az
WE'LL why does he pass unnoticed Il
hundreds of amusing things displayed
toy store? There are trains
tiny cars moving on tn If miniatu
tracks, self.moying dancers AT
other actors, with their elownish doing
and the automatic representation of tv
armies in the field. Around these DO,
of Harry's age are clustered; but Harr
unlike those whose thoughts 10 not We
tHre beyond the presence Of their bodic
has mind that is absorbed in conteI
plating q manly scheme in which b
youthful heart reioices. he feels tn
boyish sports should not be perennial, b
should have their seasons. Having pu
chased his violin, he enters a store yhe
he orders half dozen of we'll knit mi
tens, and then hastens home. EnteriI
quietly by the rear door be succeeds
concealing the packages in an unust
room.
Christmas morning came. On goil
down stairs, Harry found a large tab
covered with presents for him and L
sister who was younger than he.
A sled, pair of skates, the Ia
volume of 50. Nicholas among 9th
books, and handsome gold watch we
there for him. These nice gifts filed Il
childish hearts with glee, the observing
which merriment was sufficient to ma
Christmas-day enjoyable TO the parent
As soon as breakfast was swallowe
Harry left the house with those thin
bought by him few days before o,
things for such q lad to purchase--al
hastened down the street What ls
now intent on Z If we cannot upderstaI
hia Tp1vaYnputs uya may Tptip,p Etij ia,