Sentinel of the valley. [volume] (Woodstock, Va) 1841-1848, 1843-11-30


in depfecating whisper.
\ supposed so. Well who is she.
pray? The wife of man whose claim
to the GOLD that gives her a place here. is
much more than questionable. would
not have his conscience, for the wealth
Of the Indies!'
Ibis was spoken so low that none
heard the words but Cecilia, and she did
not reply to them. Mrs. Hartly came
up at moment, and said to Uncle Pc
ter, as she offered her arm to his niece,
Il cannot suffer you to monopolixe Mrs.
Merlin here. | want her to mingle more
with my company, and let my friends
and her friends know her better. She
has hidden long enough her light under
bushel.'
so think |, Mrs. Hartley returned
Uncle Peter with warmth. And | am
resolved that she shall fill place as high
as ever she did. She is worthy. Tried
long in the fire, she has come out pure
gold, and that gold shall no longer pass
for one half of its real value
The old mans voice was low. but elo-
quent. and his face beamed with 4 neN
and elevated expressl0n--an expression
that Cecilia did not fairly understand.
You have truly said that she is wor-
thy replied Mrs. Hartley. as she drew
Cecilia's arm within hers, and moved a.
cross the room.
Let me introduce my young friend
Mrs. Merhn,' Mrs. Hartley said, few
moments afterwards, presenting Cecilia
to group of four or five ladies, two of
whom, at least, had known her we'll in
former times, and one had been a school
mate. 4 wish to make you better &C.
quainted with her and for your mutual
advantage
One or two of the ladies' received Ce-
ella with genuine good feelins-the rest
were stiff, cold, and formal. In little
while she was in earnest conversation
with single lady of the group. The
rest had moved to other parts Of the
room.
'Abominable!' muttered one of these,
in an under tone; to the friend by her
side.
Really chimed in the other. 'if am
to be annoyed in this way, won't attend
another party at Mrs. Hartley's. Mrs.
Meriinls no company for me. Let the
poor clerks wife go among clerks wives,
not thrust herself into our circles. |
can't understand what Mrs. Hartley
means by introducing this woman at her
parties
'Didn't hear you say you once went
TO school with her.
'Yes. That is, we went to the same
school But should be sorry if were
compelled to associate with all my school
mates!s G
q never fancieI her much however,
There was always something vulgar a.
bout her.
THAT is true. You know how little
real refinement she madifested after she
grew up. While her father was in good
circumstances, we frequently met in
company
% yes. And glad enough was to
get rid of her.
These two ladies had been among the
most Intimate of Cecilia's friends, and
had visited her constantly for several
years. But their memories were not
particularly tenacious
1t did not escape the eye Of Mrs
Hartley, that the presence of her
young friend in the group of Ladies,
had ettectually dispersed them. Nor
had Uncle Peter failed to notice the
same TACT. ltpained her.-but it made
the old man burn with ill-restrained in
dighation. AS for Cecilia, she had be-
come so much absorbed in an interesting
conversation with one who noted her
cole and ill-natured reception, and knew
we'll the cause, as to have nearly FORGOT.
ten its unpleasant effect upon her.
Thus passed the evening. A few could
fully appreciate Mrs. Meyln's worth
and find pleasure in her society. But
nearly all shamed her, as they had fire.
quently done before, and tacitly blamed
Mrs. Hartley for having invited her
Some thought it a downright insult
Others tossed their heads indfferently
avowing unequivocalIy that they were
not going to countenance the ambitious
lady,-While others smiled at Mrs
Hartley's singular taste, but said good.
naturedly-'Let her enjoy her whlm.-
Mrs. Merlin DON'T hurt me. shall not
visit her, nor invite her to my house that
is certain. She does well enough, sup
pose for those who fancy her. | do no,
and there the matter ends az far as
am concerned
AS for Cecilia, she left the richly fur.
nished. brilliantly lighted parlours OF
Mrs Hartley, and went back to her hum
BILE dwelling, the sight of which was pleas.
ant to her eyes. fully determined never
again to yield to any sort of inddcement
to make Que of fashionable company n
the upper walks Of life.
Home is home, be it ever so homely
she said in tone of satisfaction, as sh,
laid aside her bonnet, on gaining thei
snug little pa,lour. In this little spot
am content, and why should seek 70
happiness beyond these neacefuI nre