cheerful face and his helpful presence. True, 
she bad “Nora” and the neighbors were bind, 
but what can take the place in a poor widow’s 
heart of her first horn, her only son* And yet 
it seemed flying in the face of Providence to 
think of refusing, for the salary was good, 
with prospects of a rise, aud the farm was 
stony and bard to till. Besides George had 
always beeu fond of study, and fretted be¬ 
cause he could not make any progress at 
home. Once his discontent was known so far 
as to reach the minister's ears, but the advice 
and consolation he received from that source 
was not likely to encourage him, “Biud the 
book to the handle of your plow, and study 
while you work and while you eat.” This was 
all very we’l in theory, but was wasted advice 
as far as Georee was concerned. For a plow 
is a ticklish thing on stony land, and when t.be 
lad came in at night, after seeing his horses 
were comfortable and doing the outdoor 
chores, besides brineing in wood and water, 
he was generally too tired and sleepy to study, 
and even resented the idea. And so he must 
go out Into the world that was so wide and so 
full of dangers, and leave her to depend on 
strangers, to fight for bread for herself and 
Nora, who was trying to fit herself for a 
position as teacher, by dint of hard study in 
the academy two miles away. The sleigh 
came to the door, the last trembling good-bve 
was said, and be was gone, while with tearful 
gaze she watched thelastglimnseof his tall aDd 
rather uugaiuly figure till all vanished in the 
dim distance. And the flakes of snow began to 
fall silently and cover up even the track of the 
sleigh, while Nora drew near the fire, and 
tried to make the most of the remaining 
hours of the old year tide. 
Oh! these children, how they become at once 
our solace or our care, aud fill the mother 
heart, with fears aud many a deep, dumb 
pain. Yon are over the nest now, birdling, 
aDd singing a song of freedom as the sleigh- 
bells. and the car whistle and the church bells 
mingle th<s eventful night. 
A year passes by. the spring blossoms, the 
summer’s heat, the autumn rain, and once 
more the snows of a New England Winter. 
Mrs. Basbnell had spent the Thanksgiving in 
solitude with her young daughter onlv for com¬ 
pany. but she set about her preparations for 
the New Year in tbe hope that George would 
come to share it with them. He had sent 
them money, not much, of course, but enough 
to prove bis thoughtful love and remem¬ 
brance; vet she thought, she noticed an rager 
desire for acquiring wealth, a craving for 
position at all hazards that filled her with 
alarm. But there was no want of faith in her 
careful preparations, no lack of hope in 
the burnishing and polishing of her little best 
things, and tbe goose was nearly stuffed when 
Nora came in from school hearing in her 
hand a letter. “From George, surely be is 
coming?” she asked, dismayed; but it read as 
follows: 
“Dear Mother and Sister: I am sorry to say 
I shall not be at home for New Year’s dinner. 
Squire Watson and his daughter Minnie are in 
town and have invited me to dine with them on 
New Year’s Day. They are expecting some 
other guests and T think it will be es well to 
stay and eet acquainted with some people of 
good social standing, so that I may have a 
few friends. I inclose you a little cash as a 
Christmas gift. I wish it could be more, for 
my own sake and yours. Wishing you a 
happy New Year t remain 
Your affectionate sou, GEORGE.” 
Poor Mrs. Bu«hnell sat down and cried 
bitterly; but Nora, with tears in her own 
eyes, said plaintively; “You have me, 
mother,” aud they talked euch other into be¬ 
coming reconciled. And on New Year’s Day 
they invited lame David Nelson and poor 
Widow Dobbs with her two children, and 
tried to enjoy the goose and other extras that 
furnished the feast. And softly iu the twj. 
light David and Nora sang till the mother’s 
heart grew tender and hopeful with the sooth¬ 
ing words. Tt was so sweet to know that 
‘•Only a little while 
Of walking *dtb weary feet 
Patiently over the thorny way 
That leaf!* to the golden street. 
Suffer If It’S God’s will. 
And work for Him while we may; 
From Calvary's cross to Zion’s crown 
Is only a little way,’’ 
and in the far-off city, flnsbed with tbe new 
excitement of being in tbe company of those 
socially bis superiors, smiled upon bv a pretty 
girl, who always smiled ou young men, from 
habit, and a love of conquest, George spent 
tbe first evening of the New Year. He tried to 
make himself believe that his mother would 
be pleased and proud that he remained, for 
Bquire Watson was the richest man in their 
country village, owning a great deal of pro¬ 
perty, and spending his Winters in the city 
with bis pretty daughter, who meeting 
George in the store where he was employed 
one day, had renewed the acquaintance in a 
spirit of coquettish caprice. He thought he 
had done his duty by the mother and sister 
at home. “A man must look out for him¬ 
self,” be said, and his thoughts that evening 
were of the wildest, most visionary dreamiug, 
so much so that he did not remember Christ 
mas or notice tbe chiming of the bells, an¬ 
nouncing the birth of another year. He was 
not trying to serve “God and mammon.” but 
was content to try mammon, for the glitter 
of wealth, the longing for a life of ease above 
the petty struggles and savings be had seen 
all his life, took possession of bim, and he 
could think of nothing else. For to him the 
Christ. Child had lost its meaniug, he scorned 
the very thought of a “maDger” and after tbe 
brilliant lights were out in the mansion that 
had entertained bim, this memorable evening 
bis thoughts as he returned to bis third- 
class boarding house were how to obtain such 
wealth as Squire Walson seemed to possess. 
To Mrs. Busbnell living at the quiet farm, 
itseemed like a fairy story to read tbe letters 
that, came from George of his doings in the 
city. Parties and concerts, dinners and re¬ 
ceptions followed in quick succession, then a 
pause, aud in the Spring came the news of 
Minnie Watson’s marriage to a wealthy stock 
broker. George did not make many com¬ 
ments; he seemed quite engrossed with bis 
business, and in a small way engaged in spec 
ulations that proved successful. Then in the 
early Autumn came news of Mr. Watson that 
was very disquieting to his old neighbors. 
Stories of alarm and fears of trouble were 
rife in the country, and at last as the new 
year was approachiug again, there was certain 
word that he had been arrested for forgery, 
and all his estate was under the hammer. 
There was not much of joy in Mrs. Bushnell's 
heart when the evening came round that 
seemed always of necessity one of special 
preparation. It was true that Nora had 
passed her examination with honor, and was 
still to be near her and teach in the district 
school, but her heart yearned for her boy of 
whom she had not heard for a long while. 
The evening closed in with drift and snow, 
but the next day was clear aud cold, and 
early in the morning, lame David came over 
to be their guest for the day. It was a very 
sad face that bent over the preparations that 
morning, and she sent Nora into the little 
parlor to talk to David, and sing some Christ¬ 
mas hymns, while she tried to keep her mind 
employed with the words so comforting and 
soothing while her hands were busy. She bad 
faith in George; be would uot fall, though 
blinded by the glamour and glitter of the 
rush for wealth. And as she sat down to sort 
over the cranberries, a click of tbe latch caused 
her to look up, and there he stood, pale and 
careworn, but with bis honest eyes looking 
into hers. “Oh my boy!” was all she 
could say, as she clasped bim in her 
patient, motherly arms, and he answered, 
“I have come back to finish my New Year's 
Day, mother, and am richer than Squire 
Watson, though l have not a dollar.” It is 
needless to repeat tbe story of his awaking. 
Tbe shock that came to him when his patron’s 
dishonorable dealings were made public, the 
revulsion of feeling, that caused him to long 
for bis old home and for the steady, honest, 
simple life ho bad left, and tbe faithful, pa 
tient mother, “I am going to stay now,” he 
said, “for I believe there is wealth on the 
farm if only 1 can work it intelligently. And 
meeting men who look down on farmers, l 
find they are uot often as well read or as 
thoughtful as couotry people are, only there 
is a polish that attracts and dazzles one, and 
the city press and public that SDeer at ‘coun¬ 
try bumpkins’ are to blame for tbe false sen 
timent that sends thousands of yuung men to 
the city.” All this and much more George 
said in snatches that morniug. and afterward 
to his young companions; but it was of little 
consequence to his happy mother, so long as 
she had bim with her and beard bis reassur¬ 
ing words of his remembrance aud longing 
for her and for bis home. Brave mother, the 
reward Las come of patient endurance and 
kindly charity, while all unconscious of the 
arrivul, the singing continued in the iuuer 
room and the voices chimed sweet aud clear 
as the forerunner of a juhilee. 
‘‘Good tidings of great joy 
To all people do 1 bring. 
Unto you U born a Saviour 
Who Is Christ tbo Lord and King! 
Gospel bells! how they ring 
Over land and over sea! 
Gospel bells, freely btlng 
Blessed news for you and me.” 
“NOTHING BUT LEAVES.” 
It seems very sad to see a lone woman left 
iu middle life with “no resources,” as we com¬ 
monly use the term, aud obliged to eke out a 
support by her hard labor, or to “eat the lie- 
grudged bit and drink the begrudged cup” 
iu some home where she should be welcome. 
But even such a life has its compensations and 
rifts in the,clouds, Hard work itself brings 
deep, sweet sleep, and there are little children 
iu most homes whose love can be won by a 
wise, loving woman. Books and papers are a 
resource, also, for leisure hours. 
But 1 know a woman grow ing old who has 
means enough to procure the comforts of life, 
but whose existence is wretched because she 
has no resources except money. Her mind has 
been left a blank. Fancy work filled up the 
years that should have been given to self-im¬ 
provement, the love of kindred was never won; 
children were too much trouble about the 
house, to be much encouraged in their visits. 
She depended wholly upon father and mother 
to decide for her in any matter of importance 
in life, and now that both are gone she is like 
a shipwrecked voyager at sea in an earless 
boat- She can scarcely decide the smallest mat¬ 
ter, but worries and distresses herself over the 
merest trifle, asking advice of all aud yet un¬ 
able to decide which council to follow, making 
herself nearly distracted by her indecision. 
Though a woman of nearly 50, she needs a 
steady guiding hand as much as she did at 10. 
She had good, natural capacities, but she 
left them all to run to waste. “She never 
could bear to read,” said her niece, and now 
when time bangs heavy on her hands she has 
none of the rich enjoyment she might find in 
such occupation. The joys of benevolence she 
has never known, so the blessings of the poor 
and needy does uot gladden her pathway. 
Her worrisome ways strike terror to the heart 
of every household where she decides to visit 
for a week, or two. Even where they have 
the kindest of washes and sincerest of pity for 
her loneliness. Oue cannot, but wonder what 
will she be at (50 if nature keeps her alive wben 
she finds life such a burden now. 
Whatever resources for old age we may lack 
let us not fail to lay up abundant stores of head 
and heart riches. olive. 
Domestic Ccotxoimj 
CONDUCTED BY EMILY MAPLE. 
KITCHEN TALKS. 
ANNIE L. JACK. 
There was a council meeting in the kitchen 
to discuss Christmas, and the ways and means 
of accomplishing what we desired. 
“I wonder what is best to give”— 
“Books,” interrupted the Student. 
“Man cannot live by books alone,” said the 
Amateur Cook.” 
“Neither can he by mince pie alone,” said 
the Artist, who had token the easel to n sunny 
kitchen window' and was busily engaged paint¬ 
ing a little winter scene therefrom. It was 
only a tree laden with snow, where some hun¬ 
gry sparrows bopped and twittered about; 
but there was sunshine on the grass, and weeds 
that glittered with frost. There was a golden 
sheen everywhere, that oar artist could not 
fully depict. But the pause that followed was 
eloquent, as the brush worked industriously, 
and the rolling-pin came down heavily on the 
baking board. 
“That gives me an idea,” she said. 
“Hold it fast, dear,” responded the Idler 
from the depth of an arm-chair; “it is nu event 
of unusual interest.” The “Cook” gave a 
glance of withering scorn aud continued. 
“You know that fruit we put up that we did 
uot need, just because it was going to waste— 
strawberries, raspberries and cherries! Why 
not give that away to some people who have 
none, as well as pen-wipers, or slipper cases. ” 
“Oh don’t,” said the Epicure. “We can cat 
it, all.” 
“Greedy boy!” said the generous Cook, her 
cheeks blushing with the kindly impulse, “but 
you know we do not need it all, and I believe 
in giving sometimes in unusual ways. Don’t 
you remember how pleased Mr. Bagot was Inst 
year when wo sent him a nice box of celery 
packed in sand? I believe iu trying to give 
just things for Christmas,that people need, aud 
not for show. Why one year 1 got four ttuugs 
nl! alike, and another year three, when one was 
quite sufficient. Now if anyone gave you three 
or four jars of fruit, you could eat them by 
degree*”— 
“I only need a gold mine,” said tiie Idler. 
“Then you would be too idle to work it,” re¬ 
torted the Student. 
“Come, children,” I interrupted, “be consid¬ 
erate of each other’s feelings. I think our 
“Cook” has the proper estimate of gifts, and I 
indorse all she says. There is a great deal of 
useless giving just for the form of the thing, 
and it has become an extravagance in many 
ways. But find out if possible what your 
friend lacks, and try to supply a need. Christ¬ 
mas is the time when we are free to bring 
our frankincense and myrrh, and offer them 
at the shrine of friendship in memory of the 
Christ, child. 1 remember once a kind house¬ 
keeper who could make neither slippers nor 
dressing-gowns, but she cooked a turkey, made 
some pies and cookies, and other dainties and 
left the basket at the minister’s door on Christ¬ 
mas eve, running away before they had time 
to answer the knock. I am sure he appreciat¬ 
ed it,, having a delicate wife whose hands were 
full. So give what is most, suitable to the re¬ 
ceiver, whether it be fruit, or any other pro¬ 
duct of your home industry,children.” 
(The above article came too late for timely 
publication.— E. M.) 
LITTLE ECONOMIES. 
The question of how to make every dollar 
go the farthest is an important one in the ma¬ 
jority of households. For each family like 
the Vanderbilts, Goulds, Astors and others of 
like riches, who possess the means for gratify¬ 
ing every wish, there are thousands upon 
thousands who can scarcely make both ends 
meet. In such homes the art of making the 
most of little things, of utilizing the odds aud 
ends, of planning so that 25 cents, carefully 
spent, will go as far as 50 cents thoughtlessly 
expended, will make a great difference in the 
comfort and prosperity of the family. 
While making a visit not, long since I took 
down a few jottings in planning and econo¬ 
mizing, which I thought very snggestive. Said 
my hostess: “For the first few years of our 
married life, it, was a difficult matter to do 
more than just come around even at the end 
of the year. It seemed so hard not to have 
any sending money; uot to be able to take 
any reading matter or to spend money for 
anything but just the bare necessities of life! 
I set my wits to work to see if I could not 
manage to save a little in different ways, so as 
to have a little margin after the necessaries 
were bought- Aud as small as the results are 
in each item, they make quite a difference ou 
the whole. For instance, I used to consume an 
©ighb-cent bar of soap in doing my week’s 
washing. I now use Babbitt’s washing com¬ 
pound in connection with the soap, aud the 
cost is reduced to half what it, formerly was. 
I put the clothes to soak over-night in warm 
water, in which has been dissolved one heap¬ 
ing tablespoonful of the compound, according 
to the directions. This soaking greatly facili¬ 
tates the washing, and at the same time less 
soap is required. 
“Every white apron that I own is made of 
the hack parts of my undergarments. The 
fronts always wear out first., and the aprons 
made from the t icks lnwt quite a ling while 
for afternoon wear. Ou the other hand, my 
morning aprons are made of heavy gingham 
and extend to the bottom of my dress and far 
in tbe back, so that my dress is thoroughly 
protected. 
“My husband likes meat at least once a day. 
We caunot afford sirloin roasts and expensive 
PisfCfUaneou.g guhwtigfag. 
The country is flood¬ 
ed with highly chem- 
icalled and very dan¬ 
gerous soaps, the 
result of the fierce 
competition among 
soap makers, and the 
average housekeeper 
can not determine 
which is the safest to 
use. Prof. Schaeffer, 
of Cornell University, 
says, “ My analysis 
“shows the Ivory 
“Soap to be a remark¬ 
ably good article, and 
“by actual trial in my 
“house it has proven 
“itself to be an excel¬ 
lent laundry soap." 
free of charge. A full size cake of Ivory Soap 
will be sent to any ouo who can not get it of thefr 
grooer, ff six two-oent stamps, to pay postage, are 
sent to Procter A Gamble, Ch^nnati. Please 
meutioa "hit paper, 
