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Written for Burke’s Weekly. CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY. IIILE our little readers are en j°y in S this hoii day season the cities ■ and towns, those who Hlive in the country are fl ST having quite as good a time, though 1 probably in a different way. Such great, roaring wood fires as they 4ft have in the country these cold days and nights, arc quite out of the reach of many persons in the cities, who have t 0 pay high prices for wood, and must use it sparingly. 110w t this little brother and sister are enjoying themselves at one of these good, old-fashioned country fires, while they examine their Christmas gifts. The little girl has received a pretty book, which she is showing to her brother, while he holds his own present in his left hand. There is a plate of rosy cheeked apples on the table, to which they will no doubt do full justice as soon as the book is exam ined. Puss occupies a snug place in front of the fire, and seems to be un conscious of the fact that “ Christ mas comes but once a year.” This picture teaches a useful les son, which we hope will not be lost on our little readers. Learn to share your pleasures with each other. If you receive for a Christmas present a pretty book, or a set of Croquet, or anything else the enjoyment of which can be shared, give 3-0111* bro thers and sisters the benefit of it, and 3 r ou will find that your own enjoy mein will be very much increased thereby. Forgiveness of Injuries. One day the Caliph Hassan, son of Hali, being at table, a slave unfortunately let hill a dish of meat reeking hot, which scalded him severely. The slave fell on his knees rehearsing those words of the Koran, — “ Paradise is for those who restrain their anger.” “I am not angry with thee,” answered the Caliph. ‘‘And for those who forgive offences against them,” continues the slave. <k l forgive thee thine,” replied the Ca liph. ‘‘But especially for those who return good for evil,” adds the slave. I set thee at liberty,” rejoined the Caliph, “ and I give thee ten dinars.” ill not this Mahometan rise up in judgment, and condemn many who call themselves the followers of the merciful Jesus ? BURKE’S WEEKLY. Written for Burke’s Weekly. NICHOLAS WITH THE FUR. A Christmas Story. was just a week before Christmas. A pleasant party of little folks were gathered around the fire ojYT' side in one of our most beautiful Southern cities. It con sisted of George and Frank, two Yjßjf brothers, and their little sisters— & Neelie, Retta and Mary. George was twelve and Frank ten years of age, while Neelie was nine, Retta seven, and little Mai*3 r only five. Their papa had just received a letter that morning stating that their cousin Herbert was coming to spend the Christmas holidays with them, and would arrive that evening. Herbert was seventeen 3'ears old, and had just re- turned from German}-, where he had been for several 3-ears at school, and the little folks were almost crazy to see him, for he had promised to bring them some beauti ful Christmas presents, all the way from Germany, and to tell them all about the wonders he had seen in that land, which has been immortalized by Hans Christian Andersen. The fire was burning brightly, the gas had been lighted, and the room was cozy and comfortable. Their father, Mr. Elliott, like every bod}- else at the South, liad lost much of his wealth by the war, but his pleasant home and its household treasures had been spared to him, and his little ones, though deprived of many of the luxuries to which the}- had been accus tomed at Christmas, were thankful that they were so much better provided for than thousands of others, who had been robbed of all they possessed. Herbert was expected on the evening train from Augusta, and his arrival was momentarily looked for. The little ones could talk of nothing else, and when they heard the omnibus drive up to the door, they could scarcely restrain their impa tience within proper bounds, but wanted to meet their cousin at the door. George, however, insisted that they should remain by the fire, while he went down to wel come his cousin. \ cry soon the door of the sitting-room opened, and George entered with his cous in Herbert, who had grown to be such a great tall boy that the little ones, some of whom had never seen him, were rather shy of him at first. But Herbert was such a jolly good fellow, and knew so well how to make himself at home, that before the tea-bell rang they were all the best of friends. After tea, Herbert told the children many wonderful stories of Christmas in Germany, and of the many beautiful Christmas trees he bad seen, loaded with elegant and costly presents for the little people. “And does Santa Claus ever come down the chimney in Germany, like he does in this country ?” asked little Retta. “Why, not exactly,” said Herbert, “but a real funny fellow named Pelz-Nickel, comes about a week before Christmas, and finds out who among the children have been good and are worthy to receive presents, and then Christkindchen, or the little angel of Christmas, comes on Christmas eve, and brings the pre sents.” “Oh! howl wish that we could sec him!” exclaimed all the children at once; and then they stopped, and began to ask themselves whether they were among those who would be leckoned worthy to receive gifts from the Christ mas antrel when he came. Frank recol lected how angry be bad been only that day with bis sister Neelie, because she would not comply with a very unreason able request; and I am afraid that most of them made unpleasant discoveries as to their conduct. “ Pelz-Nickel has never been in this country,” said Herbert, “because he has always had as much as he could do in Germany. But I have good news for you little Southern children. Pelz-Nickel, who, in spite of his rough looks, is a good hearted old fellow, has left his oldest son to represent him in Germany, and ex pects to make a visit to the South this Christmas, to see how the little boys and girls are getting on since the close of the war.” “ Oh, won’t that be nice ?” exclaimed 197