Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1890-01-16
A HAPPY NEW YEAR.
How Mary Bell Made the Day Brighter
for Others.

How Mary Bell Made the Day Brighter
for Others.
Mary Bell had read that New Years
calls were very fashionable in some
places, and though no one thought Of
adopting the custom in the little town
where she lived, She asked her mother
IL she might not be allowed to pay some
visits on New Years afternoon.
"If you want to be fashionable, dcar,"
said mamma, trying not to smile, "rm
afraid that isn't the way, for 1t is the
ladies who stay at home to entertain
their friends and the gentlemen who
call"
But I don't know any gentlemen but
papa and Uncle Charlie" said Mary, Sc
riously, 'and they're right here In tho
house, so they an't call on me il they
want to. / guess, mamma, il you're
willing, III just go and see a few peo-
Pile"
Mamma was willing, and on New
Years afternoon Mary donned her plaid
cloak and little white hood, kissed her
mother, and set forth.
II guess I'll 60 first to some places
where they don't have much company"
thought she, and presently she knocked
at Nurse Bakers door.
''Bless me!' said the old lady, as she
opened it, and saw the little figure
standing IN the step. Have you got an
errand this cold day? Come in, dear!"
Nom, | haven't been sent. I've
come myself, just to wish you a Happy
Naur Var - uaf1 Morv o,l 49, -
had been asked to sit down, she perched
herself on a great chair by the fire, and
sticking out her little feet to the blaze,
announced seriously: "'TTs pretty cold.
Don't you think the seasons are chang
At that Nurse Baker began to laugh,
and perhaps she might have gone on till
time if she had not seen how hurt
and surprised her visitor looked.
"You mustn't mind me, dear" said
she then, wiping her eyes. 81 was so
lonesome when you came in, that I'm
glad enough of an excuse to laugh.
Here, let's eat a cookie together; / didn't
nore'n half finish my dinner, / was so
So they ate cookies, and talked OF the
when they were young, and long
before Nurse Baker was willing to lose
her, Mary said goodbye and set forth
lgain.
For I don't think 'twould be proper
spend the whole afternoon in one
all, she said to herself.
She passed the house where cross Mr..
lived all alone, and though she
Iidn't quite dare 60 in, she did run up 90
he window and shout: Happy New
Then she called on Sophy Driscoll,
Who had been i'll all winter, and showed
Ier some new patterns for paper dolls
.resses. and finally dropped in to see lame
lin Hubbard. He had not thought very
much about New Years Day apparently, {
or his mother worked so hard that she {
ave him no presents, and very few s
indy wishes. I
'"What do you care so much about to- I
ay for?" he asked, and Mary Bell cried, q
q surprise: t
"Why don't you know? Because you G
begin all over again, and be good .
very day for a whole Year, c
You're a dear little girl, salo I'm !
lother taking her hands out OF the .
ash-tub, and wiping them on her q
prom. "You just give me a kissi" And L
fter Mary Bell had walked up to be c
Used, Mrs. Hubbard performed the U
operation on Tim. who couldn't re- 0
ember when such a thing had hap a
ened before. Then Mary Bell went II
Dme, and that night, after she had said a
sr prayers, she confessed to mamm u
Its real fun to make New Years o.
lis, but it does tire you all outl"- g
Companion. L
Learning to dismount is one OF the sc
Iings that bother the amateur bicycle e
der. 1t is very appropriate that he Ia