The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-01-23
How Mother Got Her New Cloak.

IT think II mean some girls have all
We don't care what the old folks say
10 work day in and day out" grumbled
Marjory Wilson one cold December after
noon about a fortnight before Christmas.
80 do l." replied her sister May. and
its so bad father has lost his situation
"Well IL can't be helped. girls l know
Tom and myself have a hard enough
time of it anyway don't we, old fellow
asked Joe. their eldest brother
yes" replied Tom, quietly, but
wasn't thinking OF myself Joe; l was
thinking how shabby mother has been
looking this winter and last night hap
pened TO pick up her cloak and why
/ was surprised TO see how thin is was"
I've got it," cried May. with delight.
'let's buy her that cloak we saw at
Millers-but that's so much; SIS. How in
goodness could we get so much finish
ed May, her face saddening.
'"I don't know how we can, but | know
I will give some towards it," cried Joe.
full Of enthusiasm.
'1'n give as much as l can. and know
the girls Will" caid Tom. thoughtfully.
Eyes. we will cried both together and
let's meet here this time next week and
see what we have done"
Joe and Thomas Wilson worked in a
largo factory getting very small salaries,
most Of which they gave to their mother.
Marjory and May went to school and in
the afternoon had several tasks to do
which keep them busy sometimes until
tea. How now could they earn SIS? Why
the sum seemed almost fortune to them.
The next week they met at the appointed
time and place, eager to know what
each had done. Joe pulled out a s. bill.
and laid 1t on he table with considerable
pride.
"How-wherc did you get ii from"
ured the astonished children.
''Wait a while and give a fellow time 20
get his breath. won't youi' followed Joe
good naturally.
"Well, the other day 7 was coming
home from work when Mr.. Jones stopped
me and asked me II I would copy some
notices for him as his typewriter was
sick. said would gladly do so. and
finished them two days ago, and he paid
me for them. ! sold my air rifle to VIII
lie and had some money in my bank"
finished Joe.
IT didn't have such luck but I earned
every cent of mine in various ways"
said Tom. quietly.
II am almost ashamed of my little bit
compared to the boys" said May, "but
] did manage 10 scrape up some by help
ing Grace with her arithmetic and maxi
ing dolls clothes for her sister. and fifty
cents was in my bank"
Here is four dollars II is the best
can do. I've done everything: made holly
wreaths. minded baby. sold rags. school
books etc." said Mariory sorrowfully.
Il think we've done very well. indeed.
and the girls ay go and buy it and put II
away until Christmas morning sug-
gesied Joe.
The cloak was bought. and Christmas
morning four brighter faces were not
10 be seen anywhere as they marched
down 10 mothers room. Merry Christ
mas.' shouted all in chorus, land here
Is your Christmas present"
This What. for me? Thank you
darlings. Just what wanted" ex-
claimed mother kissing each on their
beaming faces
I'VE hope you won't have 10 wear that
old one any more. they cried.
And mother never knew how many 1T
tie sacrifices were made so she could
get the new one. THE VIOLET.