Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1892-12-23

thinking over the story OF the little
herself would feel placed in similar
circumstances. Then she observed
her more narrowly, and noted how
refined the young girl was, in her
personal appearance how soft and
pretty and well kept was her hair
how neat her linen collar, how white
and beautiful her hands. Again and
again she drew her into conversation,
and noticed how sensible she was,
how correct her language, and how
modest and good tempered her every
act and word revealed her TO be. a
new train Of thought had been started
in Mrs. Elmore's mind. When her
husband came home that evening
she said to him
You said this morning that il
would look little unsociable in us TO
have Christmas dinner all by our
selves, and also that | would be hap
pier if | took more interest in people.
| have been interesting myself in
people to day. and | want to have
company to Christmas dinner Of peo-
Pile in whom | AIN interested
And who are they, pray?' said Mr..
Elmore, opening his eyes very wide.
They are some young persons who
work hard, and are good hammered
and virtuous and intelligent, and yet
have no homes OF their own nor any
social advantages. | want to invite
of married people only the good old
! clergyman and his wife; then | shall
ask the two young ladies who teach
| in the public schools; Miss Green, the
telegraph operator; Miss Ray, who
keeps that little book store, and the
/ little Miss Morris, whom you have
seen sewing for me this week. Then
| want you to invite all the clerks in
your office They are nice young fell
lows, and am sure they will enjoy
| it,"
Great was the JOY and delight OF all
the aforementioned parties to receive
in due time an invitation to dine on
Christmas day with the beautiful and
rich Mrs. Elmore, who was generally
supposed to be so aristocratic and eX-
elusive. There was fixing over OF
garments, and n buying OF neckties
and ruches, and flut:er of happy
hearts in preparation for the unusual
occasion.
Mrs. Elmore found an unexpected
interest and delight in arranging for
an elegant Christmas dinner. She
had chance to use for the first time
since she had been in the west her
whole dinner set OF china. She took
unusual pains in arranging her par
lors so that there should be every
thing to amuse and entertain her
guests-cards, portfolios OF engrav-
ings, games, stereosc opic views, books,
etc When the happy company as
sembled more polite and agreeable
set of young people could scarcely be
found. With rare tact did Mrs. FL
more play the part ofhostess, making
them all feel at ease and acquainted.
Mr.. ElInore had heartily entered into
her plan, and his clerks were delight
ed to find that the somewhat severe
business manager could be the most
iovial of hosts. There was not the
least air of condescension in the man
ner of either host or hostess, and ii
was a cheering oasis in all their hard
working lives 70 be made TO feel that
the rich and fortunate took a kindly
interest in them.
But the prettiest and most attrac-
tive lady in the crowd was little Miss
Morris. Her dress was only soft
black cashmere, but she had white
illusion bow at her throat, with red
carnation and geranium leaf fasten-
ed in it, which set of the tineness of
her complexion, while few few ge-
ranium leaves adorned her soft, brown
hair.
Just before dinner, while the whole
company were engaged in lively talk
and mirth, there was knock at the
| door, and Mr. Elmore was called TO
welcome All old college chum, Mr..
| Fred Longley. whom he had not seen
! for years, and who had stopped of
| on his way to the far west to spend
! few days. He was quite an old bach
elor, and expressed himself as greatly
dismayed at happening in on a party
Of gay young people, instead Of find
ing his friend alone in the western
w:lds.n as he styled the locality. But
there was no help for it, and he was
soon dong his best to make himself
agreeable to the company.
After a delightful evening, when
the hour for breaking mp arrived, Mr..
and Mrs. Elmore were quite surprised
to notice that Mr. Longley was pre-
paring to accompany some one OF the
ladies home, and they scarcely knew
whether to feel pleased or embar-
rassed on finding that little Miss Nor
ris was the lady thus honored.
Il fear We have misled Fred by this
party." said Mr.. Elmore Il don't ex-
actly know how he would feel if he
knew he was escorting little seam
stress home. At all events we must
tell him. His magnificent mother and
fastidious sisters would be horrified il
they knew il"
Miss Morris is both prettier and
more of a lady than his naughty sis
ters. However, l will explain my
Christmas party when he returns
-. Ne El,nore's reDly so that he