The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1844-12-16

lie saw that Anna had defects Of characer-and one
deiec;' that in his estimation, would have very i'm
portant bearing upon his future happiness. Before
advancing step farther, he determined to sec how
deeply seated this defect lay, and whether there
was any hope of its being corrected or not
81 will call for you next Sunday morning, "said
he one day, "and walk with you to church."
81 shall be very happy to huvc your company"
was her pleased reply.
81 will now see,' said he to himself chow deep
ly seated lies this want of punctuaIiy. Surely she
will regard the orderly observance Of external worship
too highly to permit herself to be moment too late
Anna Minor could not be guilty of disturbing
worshiPpng assembly, by entering church after the
services had begun"
Half past ten was the hour for divine services to
commence.
DO, Anna, sud Mrs. Minor, rs the family arose from
the breaklast-tabe the Sabbath morning 'try
and &c; ready in time TO go with your fnhor and my
sefto church,, am really tired at your want Of puac-
iuality in this matter"
80, never ienr," returned the daughter, al shall
be ready There is plenty of time"
now"
"Drcss now ! Why, it's only eight o'clock.
can get ready in half an hour at farthrst-rhere Is
plenty of time"
Saying this, Anna took up her little brother in her
arms nnd commenced sporting with him. An hour
after Mrs Minor heard her voice in the parlor.
"Anna, dear, do begin TO dress for church." she
called to her.
"lt's only nine O'clock mother. There is plen-
'y OF time. I'll be ready as you are"
81 declare It's haIEPast niue o'clock, and that
ihouGhess girl hasn't gone up to her chamber YET"
The mother said, as she heard the clock strike the
nall hour Anna do go up and dress Yourself |
am all out patience with YOU
"l'l' be ready now, before you will" the daugh-
ter said, as she bounded up stairs new dress
came home on the evening before. 1t was not to be
worn that day But as she had not yet tried it on
she lett desire to do so,and its fit. There
was plenty OF time 10 dress for church So she tried
on the dress. There defect about it, Ger
tain folds somewhere, did not lie just to her taste
These were adjusted and re.adjused over again
But they were incorrgibe. While thus engaged she
was aroused by the voice of her mother
"Anna, come, it is inst ten and we nro ready to
start {"
Don't wait faT me mother. Twill be along in
little while Mr. Alton is going to call for me-" re-
turned the daughter, startled find that it was too
late, and hurricdly taking off the new dress.
In about ten minutes afterwards Mr. Alton rang the
bell.
'Tel him that will be along in a few moments"
was sent down by the servant, who brough, her word
OF his arrival.
Five,Ien minutes passed, but the young lady had
not yet appeared.
81 am really grieved,'' nurmured the young man
TO himself 1t seems hardly possible that any one
can be so,thoughless. met her father and mother
some distance on their way to church as | came
along" Just then Anna came huryng down stairs
II lacked but four minutes of church time; and the
walk Of full ten minutes
"l'm sorry to have kept you waiting" Anna said
"But really, had no idea that it was so late. l
scarcely notice the flight of time"
awe shall be too late" Atoms only reply.
al know will But must walk fast. Oh
have left my handkerchief"
She gded up stairs, and did not come down a.
gain for too or three minutes. They seemed as long
period Of ten minutes to tho mind of Alton.
When the young couple entered tho church, the
minister reading portion of the SERVICE All
was silence, profound and deep attention. Their
coming in evidently disturbed the congregation
Thswas Felt acrtely by Alton, who never enjoyed
public worship so little in his life.
After all over, he returned with Anna to her
not HIS mind was TO much disturbed. His ubstrac-
ton Of manner so marked that even Anna could
not help noticing it. She remembered TO
have him SO dull AT the door of her fathers I
house he bowed formally, and retired
How could you do so, Anna7" her mother said, us
she entered the house.
'Do what mother?'
'Corhe late TO church after all l said to you
this morning. And worse than ALL to keep Mr. Alton
waiting for you till after service had commenced. II
plain that he greatly annoyed"
81 didn't see that he was," Anna returned, with
slight expression Of surprise. But she now remem-
bered that he said very little while either going or
coming. 1t might be that her mothers suggestion
too the truth. Anna not happy during
the rest of the day.
SITS Disgusting the fact, "Aton said to him
self, as he walked homeward. "She will not suit
me- shall DO worried out of my life by her want
Of punctuality. Three times has she already sub
jeced me to annoyance and notification These
have worried me enough How would it DO if
were subject to such things every day of my he?-