The people's press, and Addison County Democrat. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1838-1841, 1838-09-18
NUMBER 10.

sometimes so miscalled. After the tea things
were removed, and the ladies' had settled them
selves to their several employments, MI. Chaun-
ceys voice was rich and mellow, his intonations
and emphasis perfect; so that whatever he read
produced the full effect that the author intended
His present little auditory paid him the compli-
ment of the most profound silence, till he had
finished the tale and closed the volume.
THAT is a faultless story said Mr.. Atkins
Do you no: think SOP All except Miss Eus-
tace, expressed their appreciation of it in warm
| tesms. She reAsinsd silent.
"What says my little Abby to itl' said Mr..
Atkins.--'Do you dissent from the common
opinion?
Il think ii highly interesting and instructive
Miss Eustace replied, but not faultless.'
Pray point out the faults said Mr.. Atkins.
Let US have the benefit of your critique upon
it,
Miss Eustace blushed, and begged to be ex-
cused. She was sorry she had expressed any
feeling Of disapprobation. But Mr.. Atkins
persisted that she should point out the defects
she discovered, in which he was joined by the
rest of the circle. Blushing still more deeply,
Miss Eusiace said
Clara could not have felt true friendship for
Eleanor, or she would not have manifested such
indelicate JOY, when the latter was proved so
base
Clara's own explanation, that she had dear
or friend, at whose escape she rejoiced, was a
sufficient apology
This opinion though differently expressed,
was uttered by every one at the same moment,
Mr. Chauncey excepted.
That, as think, is another defect said
Miss Eustace. Was there no indelicacy in
her permitting that dearer friend to see that
sine loved him. and calculated on the offer of
his hand, while he yet had made no declafation
of attachment 10 herr y
Her amiable sincerity would atone for that
fault, if it could be called fault said Alr.
Atkins.
Hardly think said Miss Eustace. i al
ways was sorry the passage was written, es-
pecialy as it was written by woman, and have
ever been inclined to jump it when reading the
tale. like not that female delicacy should be-
sacrificed, even at the shrine of sincerity
But Mrs. Opie not unfrequently sins against
the more refined aEd retiring delicacy Of her
sc-.'
In what other instance do you think she has
done il Miss Eustacel asked Mr.. Chauncey.
20, in many Miss Eustace replied. And
ore who understands the true female character,
and who will read her works carefully, will ca
SLY detect them
%, name them-nanle them, Abby said
Mr.. Atkins.
Yes, name some other said Mrs. Atkins.
There is one in 3ladaline' that now occurs
o mr. said Mss Eustaco, that struck me as
grossly indecate; and, indeed, not true to ma
ure. Diadaline says of herself that she sang
oUder than usual one evening when she sup.
'osed that Fa.coner was listening behind tho
edge. that he might hear her,
Was tina: false to nature as well as indeli-
ate, Abby p asked Mr.. Atkins.
Coloring more highly than ever, while her
ilkcn lashes fell over her eyes, as if to conceal
heir deep expression, she replied
81 should have supposed that the idea of the
roximity Of one so dear to her, under such
circumstances, would have rendered it impos-
bic for her to sing as loud as usual, if indeed
he could sing at ALL
Mr. Atkins, who vas seated by her, whis-
cred IN her ear What happy fellow taught
gu 50 much of the effect of the tender passion,
.bbyP
This question covered her whole face and
eek with glow Of carnine but in low and
omewhat tremulous tone, she said
Hay not instinct teach woman how sho
Mould probably he affected under such circum-
ancesT
Possibly said Mr. Atkins, but for all that
do suspect you most grieviously.'
All the little party continued 10 converse in
le most animated manner, Mss Eustace ex.
epted. She was making feather screen for
irs. Atkins, and she now applied herself to
er work with the most persevering diligence
nd in perfect silence.
DO let US hear the sound Of your voice again,
bly, said Dir Atkins in an under tone. you
I've now maintained the most profound silence
r more than an hour. Pray speak once again.
i will said Miss Eustace, for am Just 60
g to ask Augusta if my screen will do
can tell YOU that it will said Mr.. Atkins,
[ is very handsomely made"
But Miss Leigh differed from him in opin-
n. 1T is not SO pretty as it might be, Abby
i'd she. The different colored feathers are
IT so arranged as to produce the best effect
'Are they not said Miss Eustace. 4 have
en trying to make it as pretty as possible
But you are correct, Augusta added she, al
r holding the screen in different points of
ew; $ it is really a gaudy looking thing.
i'll give it to some child who needs fan, and
i'll be delighted with its gay colors, and make
other for my friend
o no, Abby said Ms. Atkins, you shall
II take that trouble. This is really hand
me screen
so thought said Miss Eustace, until Au-
lsta helped TO open my eyes to its garing de-
cts. No, no, will make another for you.-
,Onld Won corrv fhic N ro;ob+ h. tbo,oL. +Lo.