Edwardsville spectator. [volume] (Edwardsville, Ill.) 1819-1826, 1826-05-13
From the Free Press.
THE STRAWBERRY GIRL.

L
an air of quiet neatness, and unosten-
talious elegance in this place, which
have never seen in any other place OF
such extensive wealth, and prosperous
trade.-New- York may, without con-
domination be proud Of her hundred
spircs--ihe thousand flags in her harbor
1.-The immensely OF her Commerce--the
revenue she pays to the treasury OF the
nation, and the just title of the F." London
OF America" yet, although no, preju-
| diced in favor OF what are called I" Bos-
ton notions" should prefer residence
in that city to any have ever visited.
| Elegant etirement--friendiy hospitality
--unassuming benevolence--and litera-
~ taste and refinement, exist in their
most fascinating forms, and the state OF
society is evidently considerably in adj
vance OF any other place on the CONT
nent. In regulating my affairs, it be-
came necessary to call frequently at the
| house OF Mr.. M, person who CON-
bined all the qualities that constitute the
gentleman. frequently dined with
him and his family, which consisted on
y of his wife, one of the most charming
| and lovely women that have ever seen,
and three fresh, blooming and beautiful
children, the culture of whose budding,
promising powers, formed their chiei
and most delightful recreation. There
was an ease and familiarity which can
exist only in the most cultivated minds
frankDess which can only be the result
of confidence, ard harmony and sympa-
thy in our sentiments which eDdeared
them TO me, and do not recollect an
acquaintance in any family that appeared
to enjoy such unalloyed happiness. On
one OF these visits | observed on the ia.
BILE plate Of most delicious strawberries,
which were the first that had that sea-
son seen, and made remark to that ef-
| feet.
" These berries said Mr.. M -" are
my peculiar favorites," as he significant
ly put his finger to the centre of his FORE
head, where, on its broad and smooth
surface I had often noticed small red
proluberance, not widely differing in ap-
pearancc from the fine fruit before US.
Your prediction" answered smil-
ing, sis sufficiently accounted for, but it
must have been fortunate hit indeed,
which placed j, or the spot where il is
so plainly discernible."
8" 1t was not altogether acoident," he
replied, I" / have heard my mother relate
the circumstance | was their oldest
child; but a short time before | was
born, my father and mother walked into
field where there was an abundance OF
strawberries, and while my mother seat
ed herself on messy bank in the shade
of wide spreading ash, my father had
selected a number of stems of the finest
fruit, and throwing himself by her side
tossed them into her lap. They were
just what she wished, and whlle eating
them, large and beautiful red one at
tracted her notice.
See what delicious strawberry |
have found" said she, holding it up by
the stosn to my father.
"That, my dear, is mine," he replied,
playtully snatchlDg it from her and put.
ting it in his mouth. A slight flush
1oooVu oNSi bOi IOuDtCuduCC as sue tTltQ
in vain to recover it.
81 will mark my child with that
straw berry," said she, laughing as she
spoke, and placed the tip OF her white
linger on the centre Of her forehead
the berry YVES fixed, but it was the most
fortunate moment of my existence, for
to that stra berry l owe all my bappi-
ness J"
A look which denoted deep feeling
ofmutual satisfaction, of happiness which
could not be mistaken, passed between
Mr.. NJ and his wife, and the deep
blush which accompanied it excited my
curiosity to obtain an explanation Of the
hint thrown out. Accordingly, when,
alter dinner, we were seated in the count.
ing room, made known my wishes
| without reserve.
81 shall willingly crafty you," he re-
piled, /" for love 10 call the incidents
to my imagination. You have seen Mrs.
M; you admire her-I adore her
for she is the same fond, con6ding, af'ec.
tionate creature as when first became
acquainted with her, ard it was to the
happiness that receivedfrom her friend
ship and society that alluded. She is
indeed a treasure and an accident sin
gular enough threw her into my posses.
sion. was seventeen years of age, pos
sessed, as supposed, Of every thing that
could make person happy; health,
wealth, friends were mine, and lived
csressed and admired. Although in the
most daily habit Of meeting with some of