Grand Rapids herald. [volume] (Grand Rapids, Mich.) 1892-1959, 1892-12-18
trembled more than ever, but from
quite another emotion than fear.

trembled more than ever, but from
quite another emotion than fear.
Mr. Morris explained his errand; and
a. he stepped into the room there was
a sound Of other footsteps in the little
entry. but he shut the door and un-
loaded his pockets and laid his parcels
down.
My children sent these things to
Arthur" he said, laughing, as bags of
candy, nuts and raisins came out in
company with jumping jacks and
picture books. IL hope Arthur won't
be offended" and he drew little doll
from the depths of one pocket
my children are all girls, and the
Youngest one looked SO disappointed
when suggested that doll was not
just the thing for a boy that l con-
cluded to bring it along"
Mrs. Hill had hardly spoken; her
eyes required great deal Of attention,
and her lips had an overmastering
tendency TO tremble; Mr.. Morris, to
relieve her. looked as little as possible
in her direction.
But finally there was an end to
apples and oranges, toys. strings of
popcorn and candy, and the rest of his
GRAND must be accomplished: so clear
ing his throat, and looking hard at the
ceiling, he said:
My wife thought the incest thing
for the mother would be a ton of coal
and barrel OF flour"
Poor Mrs. Hill-poor Mr.. Morris. for
it was almost as trying for one as the
other; he walked to the window and
examined the frost-work; it was SO
thick and fine that he glanced at the
stove next, and then at the empty wood
box and scuttle. The table. with its
dim light, row of spools and scissors.
with the unfinished coat in the chair,
told the story plainly.
Mrs. Hill looked up at last, and tried
to thank him: and Mr.. Morris SAID how
happy they had all been in answering
Arthur's letter; and he looked so happy
as he said it, that no one could have
doubted him. Then he opened the
door and man set large basket in
SIDE and went away directly.
II shall see you again, Mrs. Hill,
and hope you and Arthur will both
have very merry Christmas. Good
night aud he had gone before Mrs.
Hill could speak. lie went directly to
a coal dealer and ordered bag of coal
and basket of wood sent at once. and
did not leave the place until he had
seen them on their way.
Mrs Hill was still sitting in the chair
where Mr.. Morris had left her when
the heavy step of the men with the
coal and wood, and their loud knock a:
The first thing she did after they had
gone was to make a rousing fire. How
it cracked and snapped. and she ben,
over the stove and rubbed her stiff,
fingers in the genial warmth. Then
she took Arthur's stocking, with the
yawning toe, and quickly mended the
big toe and put the toys in. The candy
bags and strings of popcorn she hung
around it. and piled the apples and
oranges in a plate on the shelf above,
and stood the shining new sled beneath
with the skates, mittcps and wooden
scarf hanging over il.
Nha. fine show il made. and how
she longcd to catch Arthur out of bec
to see it. but she wanted the room &c
get warmer first; and then there was
the basket to be unpacked.
She folded away the coat--not fin.
ishcd. but that did not matter now
and smiled brightly as she picked ur
her spools and scissors and thought oil
the dav of rest before her.
There was everything in that basket
at least SO thought Mrs. Hill. Two
pies: loaf of cake; another of bread;
little heart-shaped cakes. sugarcd ir
pink and white; plum pudding: but
ter: tea: coffee: sugar: cranberries; a
bag of sweet potatoes: squash; tur-
nip; two glasses of Jelly, and turkey.
The little table was loaded; il had
never groaned beneath such weigh,
before
Mrs. Hill hung the holly wreath.
which had lain on the Top of the basket.
in the window: then opened the bed.
room door
Arthur" she said. softly, bending
over him: hnt Arthur did not move.
She kissed him on the lips. he puck
cred mp his mouth. opened it. and
closed it again. with deep breath. and
was a : fast asleep a. ever
"Arthur. 10 you want 10 hear about
Santa Clausg The sleepy eyes opened
and he rubbed them with his little fists.
Ky -h-a-t2"
II thought ron would like 70 hear
about Santa Claus; vosr presents have
come
Arthur was wide avaise-as what
10Y would not have heen-aud sDranr
5ut Of rcd
"I6dn't ne come crirlx9~ tsA he stnrt.
n the Scnroon door. his eyes sv-n
blinking. looking from the chimney =
tie table. and from the table back :,
the chimney. and then ND 10 b.
mothers face.
She drew him to he stove. and sit
ting down took him on her or.
Il didn't spect 50 much he ex
claimed. finding his toag1e a; las;
''but amt i jolly-ioilv." and ciappiaS
his hands together he threw his arms
50 tightly around his mothers necs
that he nearly STOPPED her breath and
gave her sounSing kiss
The stockin's full-au' ycu usended
the hole and he got down on the floor
ard peercd Nd under t. Its ali sewed
Z