The daily morning journal and courier., 1896-01-07
LEN ALCOTT.

certainly did not appear like south ern city on that Christmas eve. With the thermometer registering at ten de- grees above zero. even the negroes quickened their accustomed leisurely pace. The hurry and hustle always as- sociated with the Christmas season seemed everywhere present. Pedestri- ans and shoppers hurried hither and thlther, all too intent on their pur- chases left till the last moment, to no- tice pitifully small child who with weary steps toiled along the busy thor oughfares
 She was laden with d basket, which, alas, felt no lighter to her tired arms than when she had started out early in the morning.
 Why was it," she wondered sorrow fully, "that no one wanted holly and mistletoe to-day"
 It is true, a few kind persons had cheered the sad little heart by buying some of her greens; but 1t took so many pennies to make dollar!
 edttoCiiiy oI DilaIil lllouSIil Sli oSN eAAS child. She would leave the shopping district where she had reaped such a scanty harvest, and go up by the Ar lington Hotel, where, on never to-be- forgotten day a lady had given her a quarter with instructions to keep it herself
 Visions of similar generosity gave the tired child strength to hurry along. till, at last, the Arlington loomed in the distance.
 Hastily she crossed the wind-swept street, and stood anxiously waiting on the corner. She had not long to wait, for soon an elegantly dressed woman descended the steps; but, before the ex- pectant child could reach her, had en- tered the carriage waiting for her.
 Springing to the carriage window, she held up her basket, exclaimng: Please, ma'am, won't you -" But it was too late; the footman had slammed the door and sprung to his box.
 Through tears of disappointment she watched the carriage drive away and with it all her courage seemed to have fed The wind seemed colder than ever, and her hands fairly ached, but with an endurance and patience far be- yond her years, she checked her tears by a resolute effort and waited for the next passerlby
 At last, when her patience was al- most exhausted she was reused from her despairing thoughts by the sound of St. Johns bell, ringing for five o'clock service. Thinking that the church-goers would perhaps buy her remaining stock of greens, she turned towards the church which was but a few steps off.
 One accustomed to the daily services knows how scantily they are attended and even Christmas Eve was not an ex- oeption. A small group of people were passing into the church and Marion timidly offered her Christmas greens, but met with no response.
 Tired and discouraged she wistfully scanned the face of each passer-by, but all seemed so preoccupied. Finally she noticed a young woman approaching whose face attracted her at once, owing to it's sweet expression.
 She hastened towards her, but, Oh, cruel disappointment, the object of her interest passed into church by the Sev- enth street entrance.
 With characteristic persistence Mari on at once decided to go into the church and wait for her. Patient little Marion little thought how this simple decision would be instrumental in changing the course of her life
 Entering the quaint old church she seated herself in the last pew, settled her basket beside her. and then eager ly scanned the small congregation. She soon perceived "her young lady" on the side aisle, so, satisfied on that point, she gave herself up to the con- temptation of the stained glass win dows, the rich coloring of which is of ten admired.
 Children are quick to recognize, beau ty, and she felt rather than understood the exquisite beauty of the large win dow over the altar, representing the Last Supper. Poor child, she had but a fragmentary knowledge of religion, and wondered dreamily Who it was at the head of the table. The kind face and loving tender expression appealed to her with a subtle influence she could not fathom.
 Then her gaze wandered to the ex- uuisite representation of RaphaePs Ma donna della Aedia, situated on the right-hand side of the gallery.
 Meanwhile evening service was being read; but the white-robed priest had less attraction for Marion than the sweet faced Madonna, at whom she gazed till mist seemed gathering be- fore her eyes, and in another moment all her woes forgotten, she had yielded to Morpheus influence.
 The service over, the worshippers one iby one left the church: but the young lady who had excited Marion's interest lingereda after the others and came slow ly down the aisle with the Christmas peace in her heart. Was it chance that caused her to perceive the small bundle curled up in the corner of the pew?
 An, yes! But Eternal God that chance did guide"
 The child was awakened by gentle touch on her shoulder, and a soft voice said Poor, tired little girl.
 Little Marion opened her eyes and, seeing the sweet face bending over her, thought at first she was the "lady in the window" and stretched out two tired arms to feel of her.
 Were not the faces after all, akin,