The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-01-02

winter vegetables. This was followed by
dessert of boiled custard and coffee-ouf
kind.
At first there was air of sadness
around the table, caused by remem-
brance of other New Years days when
conditions were so different; but the
cloud soon lifted sufficiently to let in the
sunlight of genuine happiness. This was
due mostly to two OF the younger ladies
who are now living and enjoying serene
old age.
Each guest had some bit of news to re-
late; this one had received letter from
the front; that one had been at the Egg
glestons when letter was received from
Edward. who had been in the battle of
Cedar Creek and came out without
scratch; and thus the time at the table
passed.
After dinner I went into the drawing
room, whose fire had been generously re-
plenished by Joe while the ladies were
slipping their coffee at the table.
The afternoon was mostly spent in
singing. I can hear the old war songs
now that were sung by the younger Ia
dies. Victor Hugo said the people OF
Paris sang lest their hearts should break
with sorrow, and I think that the sing
ing of the days of the Confederaoy saved
the breaking of many hearts. While. OF
COURSE there was a tone OF sorrow In the
there was also a degree of joy that their
singing brought. Some of the songs were
"Tenting Tonight" Who VIII Care for
Mother Now 'Juanita," THE Bonnie
Blue Flag" Maryland. My Maryland"
and 'Lorena." All. mel How many years
It has been since have thought of those
old songs Yet, what tender memories
they awaken tonight; what dear forms
and faces that have passed from earth
forever, do they recall to loving memory
1t was happy New Years day at the
old home, Notwithstanding the many
reasons for the heartache among those
who were there.
After the friends were gone and dusk
had gathered over the earth, grandmother
and Aunt Mary. with US children on the
floor at their feet sat before the glowing
logs watching the beautiful red freight.
There was restful calm and silence In
the atmosphere. which, it seemed. made
words out of place.
The sweet stiffness was suddenly
broken, however, by the sound OF firinR,
not far from US. went to the window,
and by the sound, followed by q quick
glare upon the clouds now gathered,
knew that a skirmish was being fought
on the Mil road. about mile from us.
Even though a child was not alarmed.
nor were the others, for we had become
accustomed to the sound of arms.
We had family prayers earffer than
usual that night. Aunt Mary called the
old servants in, as she generally did. and
when all were seated grandmother read
the service and the solemn beautiful
prayers from the prayer book. This had
been her custom since the death Of
grandfather, and many years before his
death the house servants were biddsn to
comb into the house for prayers every
night
Grandmother read the Gospel appointed
for THE Sunday after Christmas day
l remember certain thoughts that I had
as / sat in front of the fire looking up
into the face of my idol, my lovely
grandmother. whose silver locks grace
fully waved over her temples. she reAA.
And thou shalt call His name Jesus;
for He shall save His people from their
SINS" etc. thought. ana curtou9
thoughts children have somstamee-I
thought. an. grandmother, thA6s one
place where the Bible does not speak to
you. for you have no sins to be saved
from.
The glow Of the IRE renested IT. gold
upon her fact. She became to my eyes
like some wonderful painting. beoaf1ful
beyond words to describe. She kisssd me
goodnight: It seemed like the kiss Of Cod
1t filed mo with love and peace
fell asleep while the diminishing on
the MIL road continued.