The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1895-12-22
Mrs. Samantha's Christmas Gathering.

II there was one thing above another
which seemed particularly attractive and
desirable in the eyes Of Miss Samantha
Dawson. spinster. IL family gatherings
Perhaps the very fact OF her own life being
bare and colorless made them seem more
beautiful than ever. She was thin, faded
and forty: cherries and alone. The past
lay behind like an arid desert. and no
bright star OF hope illumed the future. toll
and privation had been her lot in the past,
and she had no reason to think it would
be otherwise in the coming years; not a
pleasant outlook .ruly for one whose heart
could, under the proper influences. blossom
like the rose, and spend its fragrance of
generosity, pity and kindness upon all who
come within it's radius, but, as I said before.
Miss Dawson's life was bare. In childhood
she had been denied a mothers care, no
merry. frolicsome brothers and sisters had
grown up with her, side by side. and the
reason for all this was apparent. for Miss
Samantha was founding. Many years
before she had been picked up on one Of
the principal thoroughfares of a large city,
wandering aimlessly around, evidently ter
rified by the hustle and noise, for the tears
were streaming from her eyes and the same
forlorn expression on her face which had
She was placed by the authorities in an or
phans home and kept there until large
enough to be bound to a widow, who taught
her sewing and with whom she remained.
serving her faithfully until the day of her
death. 1t was without any deep feeling of
regret that Miss Samantha saw the widow
shuttle of this mortal coil. for she had been
q hard and unsympathetic mistress who
never missed a chance of upbraiding her
and reminding her of her dependent posi-
ton. With many qualms and inward quak-
ings Miss Samantha went into business for
herself. She rented a little room in a re-
spectacle tenement house, and hung out
her modest sign. Samantha Dawson; Fine
Sewing by Hand OF Machine" She also in
serted an advertisement in one Of the lead
ing papers, which she hoped would bring
her the much-needed patronage. 1t was
with feelings of real satisfaction and pride
that she viewed the sign when 1t was sent
home. She stood 1t on the mantelpiece and
looked at 1t, first in front, then from the
side; then she passed rapidly by to see IL
II would attract the eye OF pedestrians. 1t
certainly was a pretty thing; quite work
OF art; letters Of silver upon a black back
ground: 1t seemed pity to hang 1t out in
the weather, and she wondered If 1t would
be advisable to take 1t in at night. She
really enjoyed the little thrill which passed
through her at seeing her name for the first
time In print But, alas, the sign which APP
peared to her so alluring did not attract
the crowd Of customers she had hoped for,
though she waited long and patiently. and
the little leaves Of hope begun to wither on
thsir stem. when late one afternoon there
came gentle knock at the door. Miss
Samantha opened It with many heart f1ut-
dressed lady confronted her, who smiled in
reassuring way at seeing Miss Saman-
tha's reputation rs this Miss Dawson.
the seamstress?" said the lady. mo, thank
you. I'll not come in. as my carriage is
waiting below. see by your advertise
ment In the Journal that you are an adept
with the needle, and have some fine sew
Ing to be done at once, as I am going
abroad the first OF the year; so I came to
see you personally to impress upon you the
importance Of having 1t done Immediately.
ana hope you are not too busy to accom-
modate me- Indeed, am not, ma'am."
said Miss Samantha, honestly. "I'll be lust
too glad of the work. and know 1 can
please you- Leastways, I'll try my very
pest linen you may come tomorrow
morning at 8 O'clock" said the lady Here
IL my card. the address is on it also. Good
evening". And she swept away, leaving be-
hind her faint perfume of vfoIets Miss
Samantha could not really tell whether II
was that or the sweet face of the lady
which left such pleasing effect upon her.
she took the card to the window and eager
~ examined the address. Mrs ]. Perciyal
carleton, S4S Clivedon Terrace "Clivedon
terrace. calculated Miss Samantha: swav.
that's where all them fine houses is None
Out the very richest folks live there. Well
Wen, to think I've got work at last. and
sne said there was good deal of II too
reckon won't go hungry Christmas dav
oiter AL 1t was such an event tn her
tnat she set about getting her tea and toa a.
with a glad heart, and before she knew n
sne was singing quite cheerily In a thin
mighty pitched voice:
ie jewellers In the dust.
Awake, come forth and sing.
o1dIp mas your frost of Winter baer
But bright shall be your Spring.
one could scarcely sleep that night for
thinking OF her good fortune The NEXT
morning she wendell her way to Cliyedon
terrace' starting early. for it was a long
s'ance' ana she never dreamed OF treat
ing nersef to the luxury OF a cable car
Tor she often observed to herself sewer,
penny counts
AT last she reached the Terrace. tho
most fashionable quarter of Tho o,,,,
ihere were beautiful houses on each side
Oh the broad street; lovely lawns. now
"nite with snow and sparkling with mvri-
al diamonds in the winter sunshine. Law
Deiore her. She eagerly scanned each
number Some of the houses set so far
BACK II was difficult to make them ont
Here Ii was at last No. that was aas A
Few steps further yet. All. here IL was
handsome. gray stone dwelling. with
an ample lawn. and curving driveway.
Its entrance guarded by two great stone
mons crouching on each side of the large
gate Yes indeed. thought Miss Saman-
tna' nervously pulling her dingy little
shawl more closely about her. .aTbis 10
Just the kind or house knew she'd live
IN she passed hurriedly up the walk
between the two rows OF tall poplars which
lined each side. and ascending the stems.
tmidy rung the bell. pert boy in livery
opened the door. and partly closed IL again
when he saw little Miss Samantha shrink
Ing and shabby
Wot Is 1t you want?' said he. ..rve
come 10 sew for Mrs. Carleton" Miss Sa-
mantha made answer. We'll Won sbould
ave went TO the servants hentrance wot
on eartn do you mean by coming in 'ere?',
III do so tomorrow. IL you'll he kind
enough to show me how to get To In" said
MISS Samantha Wealx vvith e.s-L. al.