Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1838-03-08

looking out of the wlndow, SHE soId.
Mrs. Ellngwood and Maria were in a sad
dilemma. Maria was now seventeen, aud in
conjunction with her sister, had issued cards
of invitation for large party the ensuing
Thursday. To recall them was impossible
to get rid of their warm hearted, though un-
couth visitors, was equally hopeless. What
could be- done? Her remarks would attract
much attention, and the stamp of having a
herd of numerous vulgar relations be i'm.
pressed on them by their numerous acquaint-
ance. Mr.. Eliingwood would be mortified
Henry Williams, who had solicited Mar.a's
hand in vain, would exult; and one, doarer
to Maria than ul others, would be present, to
see and perhaps hear them.
There would be ample time to arrange Mrs.
IIarris's dress and if Maria could delcately
intimate the improperly of making remarks,
oil would, perhaps pass off well in the crowd,
Mrs. Harris, much TO the annoyance Of Mrs.
Ellngwood and Maria, walked from one
apartment to the other, made absurd remarks
on all she saw, offered to wash up the dishes,
or any thing in the world, that would help
and when cntreated to sit down would say,
Marcy, no! Pm so used TO stirrn about, !
should go fast asleep; besides there is so
much passing, should keep Jumping up all
the time to look OUT
The eventful evening for the party at last
arrlved.-The company, most beautiful as.
semblage, met in rooms splendidly furnished
and brilliantly lighted. All passed of well
for time, and Mrs. Ellingwood and Maria
were inwardly congratulating themselves,
when Mr.. Harris, finding his quid trouble
some, and seeing no convenience for de-
posting it, (the room being heated by fur
nace) rose and walked to window filled
with the rarest exolies. Here he cspied a
porcupne, with its hyacnth qullls just peep
ing forth, (then an object of much curiosity
which served his purpose nicely. 1t would
have passed off unobserved, had not Mrs.
Harris exclaimed
'Why Joseph, Maria wont thank you for
splitting her flowers all over
Il only spit in that green thing filled with
rushes,' said Mr.. Harris.
The buz ceased. Their tones Of voice, so
dscoIdant, produced dealhliko silence
Mrs. Elingwood preserved her eQpanimity,
and by the timely aid of friends the company
was restored to its wonted tone, when Mrs.
Harris suddenly jumped up and said
Miss Ellingwood, shan't ! blow out some
of them lamps reckon It's pity to waste
SO much ie.'
Mrs. Ellingwood had refreshments an
neunced Immediately, and led the way to-
the reiectory. This movement spared her
the modification of observing the general
litter which prevailed. Mr.. and Mrs. Harris,
not being acquainted with the rules of pre-
cedence, made their way as fast as possible,
and though Maria endeavored to keep them
back, they seemed the more anxious 'to see
what was going on as they said, to the
manifest discontinue of satin and gauze.
The gaze at the table was excusable
loaded with every deicacy of the season,
sparkling with the richest plate aud cut glass,
which reflected back the numerous lights,
ill all seemed lost in brillinncy; the assem-
,lage of youth and beauty, fashionably dres-
'ed and in the gayest spirits imaginable, the
delicious strains of music which ever and
anon burst on the ears. would rivet the at
lenton Of those long accustomed to such
scenes as for MIR. and Mrs. Harris, good
souls, they thought themselves in fairy land,
and did not dare 10 speak, till Maria presen-
ed Mrs. Harris with an ice, which caused
Ter to ejaculate-
'Why, Maria, child, havn't you got over
'our old trick Of eating frozen milk? Don't
,ou remember how you used to sly into the
larry and get it to eat? 'Tis the worst
hing in the world for the choic.' II
Poor Maria She was thunderstruck. A
tencra smile ran round the apartment, save
Vhere some benevolent countenance mani
ested the utmost pity for Maria. At length
laria came forward:
Il deem it due to my friends, Mr.. and Mrs.
Iarris, to state that to them was indebted
,r home in my childhood. When thrown
n orphan on tho wide world for protection,
icy kindly nourshcd me like an own child;
nd though to you, dear BROTHER said she,
ying her hand on his arm, Il am under obi
ations for my present advantages, for an in
oduclion to the flowery paths Of literature,
nd the mysteries of science {; though you
ave opened new world to my view, my
ratltudc to each Of you is unbounded and
qually strong. Yes! the "reminiscences of
~ childhood are among the most pleasing of
y recollections, and memory binds them
III closer, when beholding the heartlessness
many friendships since contracted
Admiration filed the hearts Of all present.
hey despised their own littleness, and even
lzed with pleasure on the persons Of Mr..
I'd Mrs. Harris, who looked extremely be-
ildered at finding themselves thus publicly HI
jtced. L
Why did Maurice Stanwood gaze so fond
at Maria that evening, as she gided about,
,parting happiness to all around her? Why i
d he listen so intently as she accompanied
G piano with her csar musical voice P
'hy did he linger by her side till the last
lrrlage rolled from the door, and then re-
ctantly take his departure? lie has long
zen secretly attached to Maria, bot having ?
equently declared he would ascertain the c
spostion Of his intended wife previous to
arriage,he had delayed his proposals, though !
he powerful artillery of the eye,' and the q
ousand nameless signs in loves progress,
I'd expressed as much, nay, even more than t
ords could possibly have done. &c
MIR. and Mrs. Harris, remained week in
e city, and were delighted with Maria's at
nj ION w hn shnwad M ounru ihinlr ,f pnin d