Boon's Lick times. [volume] (Fayette, Mo.) 1840-1848, 1840-11-14
IRON THE LADIES COMPANION.
% The Old Deacon.
BY ANN s. STEPHENS.

- '1'c-''She loUed not ,oisely, but too ,csR"
II vas balmv pleasant Sabbath morning; SO
green and Tranquil was our valley home, that the
very sir, seemed more holier than other days
The dew was floating in veil of soft mist from
the meadows on School Hill, where the sunshine
: came warmly. while the wid-fpwers in the valley
alay IN shadow still heavy with the night rain. The
trees which fea,hered the hill sides, were vivdly
green, and Castle Rock lowered IA magnificent
pictufe-its base washed BY the water, and darken-
ed BY unbroken shadow, while soft ieecy cloud.
woven and impregnated with siyery light Aoated
among its topmost cliffs. The two villages lay
upon their opposite hills. with the deep river Gid
ing between. like miniature cities. deserted by tn
feet of men not sound arose TO disturb the swee'
music of nature, for il was the hour of morning
prayer. and there rceIy hearthstone which
at that time, was not made domestic altar. A.
last deep bell tone came sweeping the valley
from the Episcopal seeple. and was answered by
a cheerful pc Il from the b,lr,of or new academy
The reyerberations were still sounding. melowe,
BY tie distant rocks. when the hitherto silent viii
lagc seemed suddenly treming with life. The dwell
hing hoiises were flung open, and the Inhabitants
came forth in smiling family groups, prepared for
wor.hip. Gradually they divided into separate
parties. The Presby'ennns walked slowly toward
their huge old meeting house, and the more gail,
dressed Epscopalians seeking their more fash,ona-
Bile house Of worship. II pleasant sight
those people, simple in their habits. yet steru if
not bigetei Sectarilns, gathering together for
good a purpose Old people we're out--grandfath-
aers and grandmothers, with the blossom Of the
grave on their sged temples. Children, with their
rosy cheeks and sunny eyes, rendered m re
and pore bright with pride Of their white frocks
pretty straw bonnets. and pink wreu,hs. 1t wa
pleasant to see the littl men and womeH striving
in yanto subdue their bounding steps, and schuo
theirspirkng faces to a soiemnty be6tlins the
Occasion. There, might be seen newly marrier
pair walking bashfuy apart not daring TO venture
on the unprecedented bodness of linking arms in
public. yet feeling very awkward and almost envy
ing another couple who led little r,gr1h girl be
tween them. Shea mischievous it'll. thing-ali
the time exerting her baby strength to wiring that
chubby hand from her mother's grasp--pouling her
cherry lips when either OF her Scind .lizsd pa
sreu,s checked her bounding step or too noisy pratt
tie, and, last subdued only by intense admiration
Other red Shoes as they flashed in and out
like brace Of woodlilies, beneath her spotted:
muslin dress. '
Apart from the rest, and, perhaps. lingering
along the green sward which grew rich and tlicl
on either side Of the high way, another group
perchance, was gathered. Young girls, school.
mates and friends, with their heads bending 10.
lgether, and smiles oimpling their fresh lips, al
doubtless conversing about sacred themes be6tti"l
s. Such was the aspect of our village on the Sab
bath when the subject Of this little sketch takes
tothe old Presbyterian meeting house on School
Hill, sombre, ancient pile, already familiar I"
those Of our readers who have read the {" HON
Sketches" preceding this. r-.N IS. ...
/ Our scads nv bell had not ceased ringing, when
the congreg ,,ion came slowly in through the diff
rfcrent doors Of the meeting house, and arrange
themselves at will in the square pews which crow
ded the body The minister had not yet arrived
q circumstance which occurred to some OF the con,
gregation as somewhat singular. Twenty years b,
had Seen their pastor, and during that time, ha'
never once kept his congregation waiting. A.
length he appeared at the southern entrance, an
walked up the aisle, followed by his grey-head et
old dsaron The minister paused ut the fout o
1.-THE pulpit stairs. aud with look of deep und re-
spectful reverence. held the door Of the deacon
Seat" Will 9 the old man passed in That It'll,
nttehtion went to the deacon's heart; ; he raise,
ms heavy eyes to the pastor with meek an,
eart-tCuchinc expression of gratitude that soficn
ed many who looked upon it, even TO tears Tn.
minister turned away and went up the Stairs. no
In his usual sedate manner. but hurriedy aud will
sunslea1y footsteps. When he arrived in the pull
pit. these sho sat in the gallery saw him fail upol
ais knees, bury his face in his hands. aud prs
sarsestly, nad it might be. weep for when h
arose. his eyes were dim and flushed.
Directly after the entrance Of the minister and
deacon, came two fsmale-, one a tall. spare wo
man. with thin features. very pale aud hesPeakinl
continued but merkly endured suffering, Their
was bes a,iful and Quaker-like simplicity in III
hook muslin 'kerchief folded over the bosom Of he
black silk dress, with the corners drawn under III
,asihsnd strings in front, and pinned smoothly to tn
Gtress behind. Her grey hair wa. parted nearl
,5Spdsr he beck straw bonnel and those who kne
he's, remarked that IL had gained much Of its siv,
spaes shs bad lsss catered that door. In her arm
b.. 81