The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1901-12-19

stockings that hung in row IN the
bar kitchen of the barrow house,
left whole pumpkin pie in the cup
board, and went home, leaving a
promise to come again in the morning
and see how the mother and children
were getting along. Mrs. barrow was
much better. She said she thought
she would be able to get up in the
morning.
Christmas morning, as soon as they
had had their breakfast, Mr.. and Mrs.
Bennett again drove over to the OAR
rows. They found the mother sit
ting up, happy with her children over
their humble gifts. They had been
sure that Santa Claus would bring
them something, and he had not be-
trayed their childish confidence.
Il declare" said Samuel Bennett,
when he and his wife were again in
the cutter, on their way home, sit
seems kind o. Christmasy, after ALL"
Il don't know but it does" admit
ted Hannah. I've kind O. made up
my mind we amt the worst off ever
was. after ALL"
She was learning the true lesson
of Christmas time-that it is doing
for THE least of these" that gives the
deepest joy. But she was still to
find the fuller happiness of that
Christmas day.
"Land!' she exclaimed, as they
neared the house. There's the ex-
pressman in front of our gate. What
can he want? ?"
81 don't know" replied Samuel. 1T
can't be anything for u.s."
But it was.
Il brought your package" called
the eXpressman, only it's box"
The mysterious box was soon car
ried into the house and opened. 1t
was generous in size, and as the COW
er came off it was found to be well
filled.
Here's a letter, Sam. Open it,"
Samuel Bennett opened the letter,
which bore his name, and read it
wonderingly. 1t said: Dear Uncle:
| guess you have forgotten me, but
l am still alive and prosperous. AS
Christmas approached, l thought of
you and Aunt Hannah, as the only
living relatives | have, and I send you
something to make you think of me-"
There was further explanation, and
then the letter ended with: Now,
Uncle Samuel, if you need any assist
ance, let me know. l shall be glad to
help you. | have plenty and to spare,
and if l can do anything for you it
will be blessing to me. Write to
me soon. Your affectionate nephew,
John Bennett"
MY brother Henry's boy" said
Samuel. Il never knew what had be-
come of him. Amt it queer?"
"Queer?" said Hannah, feelingly.
Il call it Godsend. And to think I
grumbled and found fault with the
Lord. Wasn't l wicked?"
And then she sat down and began
to weep.
Don't, Hanna! 'Tain't nothin' to
cry over. You didn't mean it, and the
Lord'n forgive you. Let's take the
things out of the box"
There were many beautiful gifts
for both of them, John Bennett had
shown his liberality when he packed
the Christmas box.
Sam" remarked Mrs. Bennett,
when they had examined and won
dered at the last article, and the box
had been removed to the woodshed,
Il wonder if you couldn't go and get
a few evergreens. We might trim up
a little"
"Of course, could" answered Sam
uel, radiantly. 1T amt far to the
woods, and the snow amt deep there.
l could get some in no time"
Then you get some. And while
you're gone, I'll go 20 work and get
the best dinner l can. Wen have a
Christmas, if it is a kind of late
one"
"Oh, Hannah" cried the delighted
old man, with a suspicious shake in
his voice, you make me so happy"
Il feel that way myself, SAM" she
replied.
Then she did something which she
had not done before in many years.
She went up to her husband and
kissed him. He, surprised into silent
ecstacy, blushed like a boy, as he
went out after the evergreens.
That kiss was the sweetest Christi
e. I.