The Scranton chronicle. (Scranton, Miss.) 1897-19??, 1901-12-21

stockings that hung in a row in The
bare kitchen OF the Darrow hoase.
left a whole pumpkin pie in the cup
board, and went home, leaving a
promise to ceme again in the morning
and see how the mother and children
were getting along. Mrs. Darrow vas
much better. She said she thought
she would be able to get up in tho
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-
irayed their childish confidence.
4 declare" said Samuel Bennett.
when he and his wife were again IN
the cutter, on their way home, 1t
seems kind q Christmasy after all
Il don't know but ii does" admit
ted Hannah. I've kind o. made up
my mind we amt the worst of ever
was, after ALL"
She was learning the true lesson
of Christmas time-that il is doing
for 'thc least of these" that gives the
deepest JOY. But she was still 10
find the fuller happiness OF that
Christmas day
"Laud!" she exclaimed, as they
neared the house. "rhere's the eS.
pressman in front OF our gate What
can he want2a
q don't know, =" replied samuel. 10
cant be anything for us"
Butit was.
Il brought your PACKAGE called
the expressman, t'only it's a box =
The mysterious box was soon enr-
ried into the house and opened. 1t
was generous in size, and as the Gov
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. aud read it
wonderingly. 1t said; @DcaDluele;
| guess YOU have forgotten me, but
| am still alive and prosperous As
Christmas approached, ] thought Of
you and Aunt HANNAH. as the only
living relatives / have, and | sepd 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. | shall be glad TO
help you. have plenty and to spare,
and il l can do anything for you it
will be blessing to me. Write 10
me soon. Your affeetionate nephew,
John Bennett"
My brother Heury's boy" said
Samuel. Il never knew what had be-
come of him. Amt il queer?"
"Queer?" said Hannah, feelingly.
Il call it n Godsend. And to think |
grumbled and found fault with the
Lord. Wasn't l wicked?".
And then she sat down and begun
to weep.
Don't, Hannal 'Tain't nothn' to
cry over. You didn't mean it, aud 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. qBennett,
when they had examined and won
dered at the last article, and the box
had been removed TO the woodshed.
II wonder if you couldn't go and get
few evergreens. We might trim up
little"
"of course, eould,'' an swered Sam
uel, radiantly. 1T amt far to the
woods, and the snow amt deepgthere.
l could get some in no time"
Then you get some. And while
you're gone, I'll go 70 work and get
the best dinner | can. Wen have a
Christmas, if it is a kind Of a late
one"
"Oh, Hannah" cried the delighted
old man, with suspicious sltnkes in
bis voice, you make me so happy
u 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 hustnnd aud
kissed him. He,Ruprised into silent
eestacy. blusbed Ike boy as he
went out after fhe eyergreenh.
That kiss was the sweetest Christ
mas gift he had ever received y I.
Observer.