Up the ladder;

by Madeline Leslie

And now, my young reader, if, as I hope, you have followed the fortunes of my humble hero with interest, let me invite you to visit with me that fine mansion reared upon the spot where once stood Mrs. Haven's cottage. It is Christmas eve; and, as we approach, we see that the house is brilliantly illuminated. It is evident that company is expected. In a spacious parlor on the right of the hall stands a fine, noble-looking man, in whom it would be difficult to recognize our young favorite, Harrison Danforth. Yet, when he turns to the lady on his left, with a smile, we see that his mouth has lost none of its sweetness, though the predominent expression is firmness. In his whole character and bearing, he exemplifies the text which so animated him in his youth, "Seest thou a man diligent in his business, he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men."

The lady just referred to, is of that beautiful fairness of complexion which is usually found only in children. As she stands there by her life's chosen companion, with her soft hair partly shading her fair forehead, her lips parted in a smile, she looks too young to have taken upon herself the cares of a matron. Then, again, have you never before seen that bright, laughing face, with the deepening color coming and going like a cloud in a summer sky? Yes, it is Ella Haven, fulfilling more than the promise of her childhood, for she has received humbly the chastening rod of her Heavenly Father, and has come forth from the furnace refined like silver. For nearly three years the mortal remains of her mother have been reposing in the quiet church yard; but her soul, through faith in Christ, rested safely in the bosom of her God.

Near the happy pair, in a quiet corner, sits Mrs. Danforth, with a look of calm happiness upon her features. She is now receiving a rich reward, in the usefulness and happiness of her son, for all her labors, instructions, and prayers in his behalf, and every day realizes in her own experience the truth of the precious promise, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it."

Presently the expected company begin to arrive. Carriage after carriage drives to the door, is disburdened of its living freight, and rolls away to make room for still others. Truly, this is a goodly gathering.

And now the guests have all advanced to their host and hostess, exchanged cordially with them the compliments of the evening, and scattered themselves around the room to discuss the topics of the day. But they have scarcely formed themselves into groups before a little urchin of three summers is led into the room by his nurse, from whom he escapes the moment he espies his parents among the crowd.

"Papa, come! Mamma, see! pretty angels here for Harry," and taking his father's hand, attempted to pull him from the room. Mr. Danforth laughingly yielded to the little fellow, though this was not exactly the programme for the evening; and, after a moment's consultation with his wife, in a raised voice, requested any of the company who liked to do so, to proceed to the next room.

Most of those present quickly followed. Upon the doors being opened, a large Christmas-tree was seen standing in the further corner of the apartment, the branches hung with small, colored candles, interspersed with a great variety of children's toys. Suspended above the tree was the angel referred to by Harry. Its arms were folded lovingly across its breast; but its wings were spread, as if on this auspicious eve it hovered over the scene.

But the prettiest tableaux of all was the twenty little boys and girls, under six years of age, who, in their holiday attire, stood with raised eyes and clasped hands, apparently entranced by the heavenly vision. There was a sudden hush among the company to gaze at them.

Presently the angel's wings began to flutter, as if she wished to take her flight. But no; she descended and rested on the topmost branch of the tree, when, wonderful to relate, another angel appeared, and began to distribute the Christmas gifts. With outstretched pinions she seemed scarcely to touch the earth, as she beckoned to one and another of the awe-struck group, and placed some beautiful trinket within their hands. Not a word was spoken while the scene lasted, and the silence was becoming almost embarrassing to the principal actor, when Harry, who had stood watching the angel with his large, earnest eyes, suddenly cried out, "Oh, it's my mamma! I see her curls tucked under the cap," clapping his tiny hands, in his joy.

Seeing herself discovered, Ella lifted her light crown, and her hair falling to its natural position, the children gave a sigh of relief, and the company burst into a merry laugh.