Orange County observer. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1880-1918, 1906-12-20

Sne was the kind OF child that peO-
pie called "just the sweetest thing"
and no one doubted that she would
grow up to be beautiful woman.
Silky, golden ringlets covered her
head, and large eyes which seemed
sometimes gray and wistful. but
oftenest just the tint of the violets,
lighted up round. chubby little face.
The scarlet lips were usually parted
in friendly smile, disclosing row
Of spow-white, baby teeth. and the
nose confessed to the slightest tilt.
Mary Elizabeth. she had been christ
ened, but when only "a few months
old she had been pronounced by her
proud nurse simply angelic-just
the image of wee little cherub.
and since then all thought of the real
name seemed to have been forgotten:
thenceforth this fat. rosy little piece
of humanity was known as "Cherub.
and only as "Cherub"
Everyone loved her, for she had
an amiable disposition, and when she
laughed and each cheek dimpled pret-
.tily, she was irresistible. But woe to
ure. A frown from her meant trOu-
BILE. and during the five years Of her
life her parents had grown to know
that when that little face puckered a
storm was brewing, and that it would
be we'll to take Miss Cherub in hand
at once.
This young lady was bubbling over
with mischief, and generally when
they found her sitting alone with that
faraway, sanity expression. they
knew that way down beneath those
curls plan of action was being
formed which would surely get some
one into trouble-undoubte Bob
by. Her chief delight was found in
making this small brother her accom-
plice, leading him on to carry out her
campaigns and having him receive
the punishment. When she was con-
fronted with. the charge, "Cherub,
you started that!" she would raise
those wide, innocent eyes. look
straight at her accuser, and say with
the slightest droop to the corners OF
her mouth: Bobby did it," At pres
ent, however, she was being lawful
good,'' for tomorrow would be
Christmas and she had placed many
letters up the chimney of the. fine
big Fifth avenue residence, asking
Santa Clause for all sorts of nice
presents, which she was sure not tc
get unless she was an obedient little
girl.
Christmas morning, before any one
in the house but the servants was
awake, the two children were excited
ly whispering together about wha'
jolly old Saint Nicholas had Left fol
each, for sleep was far distant, ant
nurses scolding and attempt at per
suasion was of no avail.
Near breakfast time Aunt Gladly
Dupont, their mothers pretty younl
sister, Just two years out of board
ing school, who had lately arrived t.
spend. the holidays with the family
came to the nursery and with
hearty Merry Christmas!" kisse'
each of the children, and told then
that they could get dressed and com
to the dining room.
Immediately on finishing breakfas
Mr.. Baldwin would unlock the Il
brary door, where each year the tre
and stockings awaited them; Q
course, the children would eat moth
ing. At last every one was ready an
stationed just outside that enchante
room. Impatiently jumping up an
down, hardly daring to breathe, tn
little ones urged father to hurry
When they burst into the bright
lighted room it was good to see thei
faces. Their shouts and screams 9
delight and loud "Ohs!" and ''Ahs!
could be heard all over the house. a
each discovered his many gifts unde
the brightly decorated tree.
When, an hour after, Cherub an
Bobby were dragged OF to church,
as they were pleased to express i
they left their hearts as well as dol
and woolly dogs in the library q
home. Naturally they sauirmed N
twisted through the whole serYic.