Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1914-12-24

The spirit Of
Yuletide filed the air. and since you
could not help breathing II. the joyous
song or Peace and goodwill" flooded
the inner being M well.
In the dormer window OF an attic
chamber overlooking the city stood q
little child. She was thin and pale,
but even these ravagers OF beauty
could not rob her features OF their
ioveliness. Great blue eyes and gold
en- curis enhanced the fairy-like deli
cacy OF her face. and though III clad
she posze=sed the bearing OF a prin-
cess. Now and again she left her
post at the window and. opening the
door. listened as II expecting TO hear
familiar footsteps ascending the
stairs.
When II was almost dark and lights
began TO appear here and there over
the housetops. like will-o.the-wisps In
o marshy bog. she drew q chair be-
meath the hook driven In the closet
door from which an exceedingly
shabby coat and weather-beaten hat
were suspended. BY this means she
was able to reach the garments and
was soon attired for the street. Run
ming back TO the window she scanned
the city ard the heavens. Just above
the horizon cleaned a single star of
wondrons brilliancy. and the child. en-
raptured by ita beauty, forgot that
she intended to 20 out and remained
.motionless watching the resplendsnt
glory OF heavens jewel. The room
was flooded with q soft shimmerins
light. and the child gave q sob Of joy
as she suddenly realized that the star
moved. As far as she could see the
same siivery radiance flooded the sky.
The great soul within that tiny body
sang with happiness and she scftiy
whispered: "It Is the star OF Bethie.
hem. ] must follow Il, like the three
wise men!"
She hastened from the room and
down the flights of steps to the street.
The star moved on and on, unfaiter-
ingly. and the tiny figure trembled in
every limb as IL followed the won
drous light.
Beyond the boundary OF the city,
over frozen reads and frost-whitened
neids. the tireless lettle feet, IN pro-
tected by their worn shoes, FASTENED
after the star.
At last she came to a tiny house
nestled among a group Of fir trees.
From the windows came paths OF yei-
low light, whose warmth and cheeri-
ness drew her on to the door.
She did not pause 70 knock, but
lifted the latch and entered. The
room was scantily furnished. but a
glowing log fire bathed the homely
surroundings with a glorified beauty.
Seated In front OF the fireplace was
a woman who bent lovingly over an
infant. Grouped about her were three
children. while the father Of this hap
py family stood somewhat back OF the
mother hanging a branch OF ever.
green above the mantei
AS the little stranger entered and
hesitated. tho children rushed forward
to greet her.
Come In. child" said the mother.
The tired little girl moved eagerly
forward. Have I found the kinR?"
she asked.
"rhe king?" questioned the proud
mother. "Yes. we think baby IN a
king" And she placed the soft, pink
face of the infant close to that of the
child. who reverently kissed its
cheek
Il have brought him a gift" she
whispered, shyly. offering a little bead
purse. The mother stopped and I'm
printed a warm kiss on the fips OF
the tiny gift bearer.
He win love Il. and would thank
You IL he could See, he reaches for
II now" The chubby fingers. at
traeted by the brightly colored beads.
tried their best to grasp the purse
You have given him his FIRST
Christmas gfft." said the father.
Draw near the fire-you are cold
while get bowl OF bread and milk"
The child removed her hat and
coat. seated herself ON the hearth
stool and was soon enjoying the
simple fare.
How did you nnd us," the woman
asked
7 followed the star" she replied.