Annie and Willie’s Prayer.

Annie and Willie’s Prayer.
266.4

‘Twas the night before Christmas. “Good night had been said
And Annie and Willie had crept into bed.
There were tears on their pillows and tears in their
And eyes, each little bosom was heaving with sighs.
For tonight their stern father’s command had been given,
That they should retire precisely at seven- Instead of at eight-for they troubled him mors unheard of than ever before.
With questions Ele had told them he thought this delusion a sin.
No such creature as “Santa Claus” ever had been,
And he hoped after thia he should never more hear
How he scrambled down chimneys with presents each year.
And this was the reason that two little heads
So restlessly tossed on their soft, downy beds.
Eight, nine, and the clock on the steeple tolled ten,
Not a word nad been spoken by either till then,
When Willie’s sad face from the blanket did peep,
And whispered, “Dear Annie, is ‘ou fast asleep?” no, brother Willie,” a sweet volce reples,
“Why “I’ve long tried in vain, but I can’t shut my eyes;
For somehow It makes me so sorry because
Dear papa has said there is no ‘Santa Claus
Now we know there is, and it can’t be denied,
For he came every year before mamma died:
But, then, I’ve been thinking that she used to pray,
And God would hear everything mamma would say.
And maybe she asked him to send Santa Claus here
With the sack full of presents he brought every year” “Well, why tan’t wep’ay, dust as mamma did den,
And ask Dod to send him with presents aden?
I’ve been thinking so, too.” And, without a word more.
Four little bare feet bounded out on the floor.
And four little knees the soft carpet pressed.
And two tiny hands were clasped close to each breast.
“Now, Willie, you know we must firmly belleve
That the presents we ask for we’re sure to receive.
You must walt very still till I say the ‘amen.’
And by that you will know that you turn has come thens
Thur Jesus, look down on my brother and me.
And grant us the favor we’re asking of thee.
I want a wax dolly, a tea set, and ring.
And an ebony workbox that shuts with spring
Bless papu, dear Jesus, and cause him to sen
That Santa Claus loves us as well as does ho.
Don’t let him get fretful Af dear brother Willle und and
“Please Desun, et Santa angry again Annte. Amen.” Taur tum down tonight.
And bring us some presents before it is ‘ight;
I want he sood dive me a nice ‘ittle s’ed.
Wid uricht shinin’ runners and all painted ed.
And hirds of all colors were perched in a tree.
While Santa Claus, laughing, stood up in the top.
As if getting ready more presents to drop.
Now, as the fond father the picture surveyed,
He thought for his trouble he’d been amply paid:
And he said to himself as he brushed off a tear,
I’m happier tonight than I’ve been for a year.
I’ve enjoyed more true pleasure than ever before.
What care I if bank stock falls ten per cent more?
Hereafter I’ll make it a rule, I believe,
To have Santa Claus visit us each Christmas eve.”
So thinking, he gently extinguished the light.
And. tripping down stairs, retired for the night.
As soon as the beams of the bright morning sun
Put the darkness to flight and the stars one by one,
Four itttle blue eyes out of sleep opened wide,
And at the same moment the presents espied.
Then out of their beds they sorang with a bound,
And the very gifts prayed for were all of them found.
They inughed and they cried in their Innocent gies,
And shouted for papa to come quick and ses
What presents old Santa Claus brought in the night.
(Jurt the things that they wanted), and left before light.
“And now.” added Annie, in voice soft and low
“You’ll believe there’s a Santa Claus, papa. I know.
While dear little Willle climbed up on his knee,
Determined no secret between them should be.
And told in soft whispers how Annte had said
That their dear blessed mamma, so long ago dead,
Used to kneel down and pray by the side of her chair.
And God up in heaven had answered her prayer.
“Den we dot up and prayed dust as well as we tood.
And Dod answered our prayer; now, wasn’t dood?”
“I should say he was, if he sent you all these,
And knew just what presents my children would please.
(Well, well, let him think so, the dear little elf!
‘Twould be cruel to tell him I did it myself).”

Plind father! Who caused your stern heart to re- lent.
And the hasty words poken so soon to repent?
‘Twas the Being who bade you steal softly up stairs,
And made you his agent to answer their prayers.