Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1902-12-25

been leaning against H. "lPinB 'n'
snow from their little shoes.
"What do you want, children z"
asked Miss Cynthia, assisting them to
regain their balance and closing the
door behind them.
They looked at each other timidly'
their eyes growing large and solemn.
The smaller, a little girl, put one
fat finger in her mouth and looked up
at Miss Cynthia searchingly.
"We have run away, and we liked
this pretty big house, and l told SIS
ter we'd come and see who lived here,
said the boy, boldly.
"Run away !" repeated Miss Gym
thia, in shocked surprise; "that was
very, very naughty; can't you tell me
where you liver"
ats Just round some corners, and
we amt afraid, are we, JeanY' de-
manded the boy.
Jean shook her head and seated her.
self in small chair that stood in the
hall, with great calmness and deliber-
alton.
~ like your house T said the boy
thoughtfully; "it's got soft floors, and
feels like you wa, walking on pillows,
stepping around on the rich carpet
with evident enjoyment.
Haven't you any carpet on your
floors ?" asked Miss Cynthia, tenderly.
"No, only in two rooms, mamma s
and the sitting-room. We used to
have, but papa had them sent away,
and asked us not to tell dear mamma,
cause she might cry, answered the
boy, looking into Miss Cynthia's face,
gravsly.
"Is your mamma sick ?" asked Miss
Cynthia.
"Yes, she's awful sick, and has to
stay in . dark room all the time. She
never laughs 'cept when pspa's there !;
then she acts so happy, and told US
once not to tell him that she means
when he's gone" said the boy.
"Aud who cares for you and Jean2"
asked the woman, quickly.
"Just Mary; she washes the dishes
and cooks our dinners and scrubs, and
washes our clothes, and irons EN-, and
oh, yes-plays with us, answered
the boy, joyously, while Jean smiled
approval.
Miss Cynthia shuddered, and drew
him to her arms, while Jean hitched
her chair closer and leaned against
the woman's knees.
"Ill tell you some'fng," she said
softly; "tomorrow's Christmas"
: Miss Cynthia's s smile was so loving,
her best friend would scarcely have
recognized her.
"Is it, dear; will Santa Claus go to
your house," she asked gently.
"Not this year. Father says ne
cant come every year to our house,
cause we mustn't be selfish. Some
little children never had Santa Claus
come" said the boy, his eyes shining
with sympathy for the Santa Claus
less children he spoke Of.
A great resolve was forming In Miss
Cynthia's heart. She would take
these children to their home, and then
send them such a Christmas as they
would never forget. She could not
do it for Sidney's children, but here
were two little waits who could take
their place. Hastily che donned her
hat and sealskin coat, and taking a
hand of each wondering child, went
out into the night.
Nov, children, take me to your
home, and when / have explained
your absence to your Mary, III bunt
up Santa Claus and send him around
to you" she said as they went down
the steps.
The boy pulled her along the snowy
street, talking so rapidly all the time
of what be wanted Santa Claus tc
bring that Miss Cynthia did not no
tice which way they were going unit
they stopped before small house OF
dark street. Around the side o
the cottage the trio went. and the boz
opened door noisily into a poorly
furnished dining-room. Atthe sound
young Irish girl rushed in anC
clasped the truants in her arms.
"Oh, you naughty onesi Mary
been so worried. and the poor mothe
-herrilf's been cryin'," she said, tear
fully.
Miss Cynthia was about to explain
when the door behind her opened. an
Sidney Bruce stood there. staring i