Annie and Willie at Christmas

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 more with questions unheard of than ever before. 

He told them he thought this delusion a sin. No such thing as Santa Claus ever had been and he hoped, after this, he would 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 in the steeple tolled Ten; Not a word had been spoken by either till then; when Willie's sad face from the blankets did peep, and whispered dear Annie is you fast asleep? Why no brother Willie a sweet voice replied. I have tried in vain but 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 that there is and it can't be denied, for he came every year before mamma died. 

But then I am thinking that she used to pray and God would hear everything mamma would say and perhaps she asked Him to send Santa Claus here with the sack full of presents he brought every year.

Well why tan't we pray dest as mamma did then and ask Him to send him with presents adain. I've been thinking so too, and without a word more four little bare feet bounded out on the floor.

Four little knees the soft carpet pressed, and two tiny hands were clasped close to each breast. Now, Willie, you know we must firmly believe that the presents we've asked for we're sure to receive. 

You must wait just as still, till I say the "Amen" and by that you will know that your turn has come then. Dear Jesus, Look down on my brother and me and grant us the favor we are asking of Thee.

I want a wax dolly, a play set and ring and an ebony work box that shuts with a spring. Bless papa, dear Jesus and cause him to see that Santa Claus loves us far better then he; Don't let him get fretful and angry again at dear brother Willie and Annie. Amen. 

Please Desus et Santa Taus tum down tonight and bring us some presents before it is light. I want he sould div me a nice ittle sed with b'ite shiny runners, and all painted red; A box of tandy, a book and a toy then Desus, I'll be a dood little boy. Amen.

Their prayers being ended, they raised up their heads and with hearts light and cheerful again sought their beds. They were soon lost in slumber both peaceful and deep and with fairies in dreamland were rooming in sleep. 

Eight, Nine and the little French clock had struck Ten 'ere the father had thought of his children again. He seemed now to hear Annie's suppressed little sighs, and to see the big tears stand in Willie's blue eyes. 

I was harsh with my darlings he mentally said and should not have sent them so early to bed but then I was troubled—my fee found for bank stock today has gone down 10%. 

But of course they've forgotten their troubles ere this. And that I denied them the thrice asked for kiss. But just to make sure I'll steal up to their door, for I never spoke harsh to my darlings before. 

So saying, he softly ascended the stairs, and arrived at the door to hear both of their prayers. His Annie's "bless papa" draws forth the big tears. And Willie's grave promise falls sweet on his ears. 

Strange, strange, I'd forgotten, said he with a sigh how I longed when a child to have Christmas draw nigh. I'll atone for my harshness, he inwardly said, by answering their prayer, ere I sleep in my bed. 

Then he turned to the stairs, and softly went down, threw off velvet slippers and silk dressing-gown, donned hat, coat and boots, and was out in the street. A millionaire facing the cold driving sleet. 

Nor stopped he until he had bought everything from a box of candy to a tiny gold ring. Indeed, he kept adding so much to his store that the various presents outnumbered a score. 

Then homeward he turned with his holiday load and with Aunt Mary's aid in the nursery 'twas stowed. Miss dolly was seated beneath a pine tree, by the side of a table spread out for to see.

A work box well filled in the center was laid and on it the ring for which Annie had prayed, a soldier in uniform stood by a sled with bright shining runners, and all painted red;

There were balls, dogs and horses, books pleasing to see and birds of all colors were perched in the tree; while Santa Claus, laughing, stood up in the top, as if getting ready more presents to drop. 

And as the fond father the picture surveyed, he thought for his trouble he had amply been 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 fails ten percent 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, then tripped down the stairs to retire 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 little blue eyes out of sleep open'd wide, and at the same moment the presents spied; then out of their beds they sprang with a bound and the very gifts prayed for were all of them found.

They laughed and they cried in their innocent glee, and shouted for papa to come quick and see what presents old Santa Claus brought in the night, (just the things that they wanted) and left before light. 

And now, added Annie, in a voice soft and low, you'll believe there's a Santa Claus papa I know. While dear little Willie climbed up on his knee, determined no secret between them should be,

And told in soft whispers how Annie had said, that their dear blessed mamma so long ago dead, used to kneel down and pray by the side of her chair, and that God up in heaven had answered her prayer!

Then we dot up and prayed dust as well as we tould, and Dod answered our prayers; now wasn't he dood? I should say that 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.) Blind father! Who caused your proud heart to relent and the hasty word spoken so soon to repent? 'Twas Lord Jesus who bade you steal softly upstairs, and made His agent to answer their prayers.