2-889-384 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Young Man Who is Alone, on Christmas Day - drawn by Leech, 1850. Illustration to "Cold out of Doors, and Cold In-Doors, or, Tom Smithers's Christmas Day". 'Tom Smithers was a member of the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple...but on Christmas Day, 184-, Tom found himself with no invitation to dinner...on his way back to Chambers, he casts up a disconsolate glance at the house. Can it be? There is light in the kitchen - there is light in the drawingroom! Huzza! "They are at home !" And he knew them of old - the best people alive; and their house he knows for a house where reign truth, kindliness, and a hearty welcome, without ostentation; and which is warmed by that best of Christmas fires, the warmth of honest and loving hearts: [soon] Tom Smithers is shaking hands...in the house where you ought to DINE ON A CHRISTMAS DAY'. From "Illustrated London News", 1850.