The ladies' garland. [volume] (Harpers-Ferry, Va. [W. Va.]) 1824-1828, 1827-06-16

her hair, but twas not more lossy: and though
her curls were not arranged with the taste, nor
decorated with the expense, which distinguish
the ball room, Nature had compensated for
the neglect Of art, by making them perpe
tual, and irnparting to them the clustering luxu
rance of the grape, in the vintage time. Her
ANGLE was not clothed with silk, nor was her foot
compressed in satin; such adornments could
not have added to the symmetry which the cot
ton hose, and somewhat homely shoe, were not
able to conceal, and her fingers, as they pluck
ed the strawberries from their green bank, were
Of the fairness and delicacy of the lily. There
was no bracelet on her arm; use the singular,
for those decorations are now worn on one wrist
only, like handcuff 1t had, indeed, been pity
to have intercepted that beautiful outline which
marked the finely moulded arm of the rustic
maiden.
There was nothing uncommon in the circuT-
stance Of village girl gathering the wild straw
berry; and, but for It's frequent occurrence, II
would not have excited my particular attention
Observing her. however, at the same spot, and
at the same employment. for many successive
days. ventured, upon one occasion, to inquire
her motive for an occupation whence she could
derive little profit, and which must necessarily
interfere with her domestic duties. She REPLIED
with some hesitation, that she gathered them
for a sick person who could scarcely relish anv
thing else !; adding that she feared, she should
collect but few more, as she had nearly exhaust
ed the crop which grew upon the bank told
her that she would find abundance within the
enclosure, and presenting her with key of a
little wicket, which opened into the copse. babe
her avail herself Of the supply ii afforded, when
ever she had occasion. She received the per
mission (WHICH although not the proprietor,
was authorized to grant with expressions Of
gratitude. altogether disproportionate to the
favor conferred, for it would have been readily
conceded to any eordered person who had
chosen to solicit it, frequently observed her
avalng herself of the opportunity thus afforded
her | could perceive her countenance lit up
by the indications Of hope ard confidence. while
at other times il was pale. anxious, and defect
ed but. whatever We're her feelings, she did not
relax in the diligence with which her charitable
occupation was di1rnally resumed.
1t once happened that | had extended my
walk bevond its usual limits. 1t was high noon
but a refreshing breeze had sprung up, and sen
sib!v ahatcd the sultrlness Of the day. The place
IN which was walking, was what is termed
green lane; in other words by-road through
which there were so few passengers. that it was
overgrown with grass, and almost even as
meadow The hedge on either side was high. be
ing composed Of the maple tree, interspcrsed.
in great abundance, with the honey suckle and
the wild rose which loaded with delicious
fragrance the gale that swept along the green
avenue The sound of voices induced me 70
look IN, and heheld, somewhat to my surprise
the fair straw berry gatherer with a gentleman
VINO was elegantly ii not fsshionably alfred,
and who appeared to be leaning, fagail!arly..on