The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1841-02-24
SELECTED TALES.
From the Farmers Monthly Visitor
THE STRIPED FR0CK.

There. Lucinda, you cannot help admit
tiug that We have had fine walk this after
noon, exclaimed Caroline Hale TO her sister
as they entered their chamber after a rural
excursion. 1t was a sultry August day. and
/ Lucinda, instead Of answering her sister, threw
off her bonnet and fastened back the blind from
the open window. Now you are not willing
to own that we have had pleasant walk" con.
tinued Caroline, because you went so reluc-
tantly." You know, sister, that my reluc-
tance was owing TO the extreme heat and a
trifilug ndsposition. But feel better for the
ranble, and must say that twas more agreea-
than | anticipated. | will admit what will
please you still more, that liked our company
aud was interested in the conversation. -
That's good giI, said the laughing Caro-
line; supposed you would have said that the
Russels were ostentations, trihlng. superficial,
or something of that sort lou know ] do
not intend TO be censorious, Caroline, and as 10
your gallant OF to-day, ] could not express my
opinion. He devoted his attention SO entirely
to you, that have no opportunity of becom-
a pretty girl and seems to enjoy her visit 10 our
little town extremely. lore our own sccuery
so well that | cannot help feeling interested in
every one who admires it, Lucinda, ! be.
lieve | like home well enough, but never can
think You do about onr rough hills. They
DO we'll enough for farmers who want sheep pas
lures, but what thero is about them very
beautiful never could imagine. always won.
dered what induced father 10 settle here. He
might have established himself in some more
populous place. have had more genteel society, |
and lived in very different style from what lie
does now, even il he owned no more property"
-" Very like he might, Caroline, but you know
father is not very ambitious about making a
show. We have often head him speak Of the
change in his opinions and feelings since has
youth. He says he thought then that wealth
co.d make him happy, bus he feels now tha,
a couiented spirit and domestic affection are bet
ter than gold. think We both ought TO profit
by his experience"
Probably you WILL Lucinda, for as mother
says, you are father TO the very core For my
part, dislike quite 50 much cant about repub'
llcan habits. II ever marry. ] mean TO have
a man who is not afraid Of being too iashiona-
bic and stylish. | am sure we have seen moth
er afflicted so much by fathers odd notions,
that think We ought to profit by her expert
ence." Lucinda for few minutes did not au-
swcr. She knew there were weak points in her
mothers character but she hesitaied about max
ing them a subject Of conversation, even with
her sister. But she reflected that Caroline was
younger than herself, and had ever been her
mothers pet. She felt panied to perceive daily .
the influence exersd over her young mind by
her mothers vanity and Indiscreiion. Alter
some consideration she, replied, our mother is
a good. amisble woman, Caroline, aud we are
Dot deeply indebted TO her rare and kindness.
] should be sorry to say a word that would di-
minlsh your respect Tor her, but you know, SIS
ter, that she is very much Influenced by aunt
kimball. Now sUuI Klmball does not consider
that which is perfectly proper for herself and
daughters in such place as Boston would be
almost ridiculous for US. Their dress and Gus
toms are in accordance with their station, and
with the dress aud customs Of their associates.
So are ours We even dress better than most
young ladies' IN our circle
True We wear calico and ging ham dresses at
home, instead of expensive silks and musllns,
and father requires us TO assist IN household
duties. believe We are happier for 1t. Your
own understanding, Caroline, II yon consulted
it,, would teach you the ioollshness ol our"ear-
ing fifty dollar shawIs and thirty dollar bonnsts
10 such place as s.. Our e1travaganee
would be censured by our best friends. Ito"
should We look walking out as VIC have this al
teruoou, through bush and brier, dressed like
ladies' promensding in Cornhill Even our
sensible city sequan,ances would laugh at Us
Franklin Russell with .hom you have
chau.d so much to-day, will not respect you
the less for having your dress adapted Tor the
occasion, aud something like tha, worn by our
country companions. sm sure mother WISH
es to do every thing Tor our good, but think
.he does not consider what is best and most be
coming in our present cireuns,ances.'
L do believe, Lucinda, that # you we're set
lied among the Choets~s, you would think II
vas best to paint like squsw. know alter
al, What makes you tak 80 much about fitness
,nd proprsty. 1t Is because Nelson Nsrhah
-e,rs suiped froek. and you think 1t vel
TO a nan uho hold. plough. and
drives bis team shelS' As Tor myself never
xas in love With striped hock End nersr intend
10 be This, ss Caroline anticipated, Was
touching Lueipd. IN an extremely sensitive
point. and she did not sttemptio reply. She i'm
med iatsly found her services required below, aod
hastily rsu down to make arrangements Tor tue
evening meal