The Prince George's enquirer and southern Maryland advertiser. (Upper Marlborough, Md.) 1882-1925, 1894-12-21
4 GLOOMY tHRISTMAS EVE.

II can stand it any ongcr Cornelia; I'll
60 out and perhaps something will turn
up for us
Its a cold night, Robert
Cold, yes! But it's not much colder out
than in. 1t would have been much better
for you if you had married J Ohm Tremoin,"
he said bitterly.
Don't say that, Robert; I've never re-
gretted my choice"
Not even when there is not loaf of
bread in the house for you and the chill
dren'
Not even now, Robert. Don't be dis
couraged. God has not forsaken us. Per
haps this Christmas Eve the tide will turn
better days may come upon us to-mor
row.
Robert Brice shook his head dcspond-
ingly.
You are more hopeful that l. Cornelia
Day after day | have been in search of
employment. have called at fifty places
only to receive the same answer every
where"
Just then little Jimmy. who had been
asleep woke up.
Mother" he pleaded. won't you give
me piece of bread: am 50 hungry"
There is no bread, Jimmy, darling"
said the mother, with an aching heart.
when will there be some." asked the
little child piteouslv
Tears came to the mothers eyes. She
knew not what to do.
Jimmy, I'll bring you some bread" the
said father hoarsely; and he seized his
hat and went to the door.
His wife alarmed, laid her hand upon
his sleeve. She saw the look in his eyes;
she feared to what step desperation might
lead him.
Remember Robert she said solemnly
1t is hard to starve. but there are things
that are worse.
He shook off her hand, but not roughly,
and without a word, passed out.
Out in the cold street. There would be
their only home next. For a brief time
but the rent would become due at the end
of the month, and he had nothing to meet
it.
Robert Brice was Il mechanic, competent
and skillful. Three year since he lived in
a country village where his expenses were
moderate and he found no difficulty in
meeting them But in evil hour he grew
tired of his village home and removed to
the city Here he vainly hoped to do
better For awhile he met with good
success: but a time of great depression
came, and with it a suspension of business
enterprises Work ceased for Robert and
many Others fl he had been in his own
home he could have turned his hand to
something else and, at the worst, could
have borrowed of his neighbor till better
times SO day by day he went out to seek
work, only to return disappointed. If he
had been alone he could get on somehow;
but it was a sore trial to come to the cheer
less room and his pale wife and hungry
children, with no relief to offer them.
When on that Christmas Eve, Robert
Brce went into the streets, he hardly
knew where he was going to redeem the
promise he had made little Jimmy. He
was absolutely penniless, and had been
so for three days. There was nothing
that he was likely to find to do that night.
Il will pawn my coat he said. Il can
not see my wife and children starve."
1t was a well worn overcoat, and that
winter night he needed something more
to keep him warm Weakened by enforc
ed fasting, he was more sensitive to the
cold. and shivcred as he walked along tn :
pavement
Yes" he said, my coat must go. l
know not how shall get on without it;
fore my eyes.
He was not in general an cnvious ma II;
but when he saw seek, well-fed men,
buttoned up to the throat i'll warm over
coats. come out of the brilliantly lighted |
stores. provided with presents for happy |
children at home while his were starving |
he suffered some bitter thoughts, upon the
inequality of fortunes gifts, to come to
his mind. Why should they be SC happy, |
while he was SO miserable?
There was time, he remembered 1t |
we'll when lie, too, suffered not the
Christmas Eve to pass without some little |
Gifts for Jimmy and Agnes. How little he
dreamed that they shoul ever want bread,
There was one man, Shorter that him
self warmly clad, who passed him with
his hands thrust deep in the pockets of
his ovcrcoat. There was pleasLt smile
upon his face He was, doubtless thinl
ing of happy circle at home.
Robert knew him as rich cabinet
maker and upholsterer He had applied
to this man only two days before for
employment, and been refused.
1t was, perhaps, the thought OF the
wide difference between them, so far as
outward circt instances were that led Rob
ert to follow him.
Aftera while the gcntleman--Mr. Grimes |
drew his handkerchief from his pocket
A. he did so he did not perceive that his
pocket et-book came with it and fell on the |
pavement.
He did not perceive, it but Robert did |
His heart leaped into his mouth and Il
sudden thought entered his mind. He
bent quickly down, and picked up the
pockethook. He raised his eyes to see if