The northern galaxy. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1844-1848, 1845-05-21
The NIission of Old Maids.
AN Es \ Y.

have olien wondered at the almost uni
versa disgust with which the gentlemen re-
gard that class in society termed "OldMaids.'
Considering their philanhropic n.lsslon, no
class in community seems entitled 10 hall the
kind feeling and respectful consideration Ilat
is due them.
Being unshachled by those motives ofself
interest that enchain almost every other
class 10 the sphere of their own home and
finIly circle, the Cid Maud is free 10 exercise
her vocation of humanity according to the
dictates OF her benevolent heart. Aie any
sick. she has no needy children who demand
most OF her lime and care; she can repair 10
the chamber Of the invalid, and with calm.
uadS'urhed brow. watch by the bed side of
the sufferer. Is any one hurthened with Sc
Crct GrieiS Never fear 10 tell an Old Maid
she has no husband 10 whom she will almost
Invariably be tempted 10 reveal tile secret.
Do y0u wa'it a friend who Will love dislnicr-
rstedly? The good Oh Mail never yet re-
fused 10 return sincere expression 0t friend
ship the sympaihies of her heart have not
been all eaten out by corroding cares and
misplaced affections. Depend upon it; she
will never disapI 0ini you here.
There are many other kind offices Tor
which she seems 10 have been peculiarly
HliPn. nul ! Wiz DtliN dluuc ~ oit- NiiSiC
seems TO be held AS Il sort ofcorpS dc reserre,
and for The f;rhiil discharge Of which office
she is entitled Ia The sincere gratitude OF all.
The vicissiudes and casualties of life, often
lrave MANY Il domestic hearth drsolated of
lis highest chnrm-rhe kind voice and gent
" ruiding liand Of mother. No one on
earth seems 50 entirely iiIied TO rrier the
broken circle and til lie vacated stat as tie
discreet Cid Mail She brings no burdens
and cares of her own all she asks, and all
she expects in return, is the kindness, graft
iude. and love OF those 10 whom she Lecomes
a voluntary servant.
Depend upon il. ne might rs well spare
the balance wheel from CT ion, as The kind
offices of Old Maid>irom sorieIv. There are
many things lhat might be said 10y way Of
enforcing this position but we will rccur 10
experience for illustration, as il always is
more interesting than argument.
II you please, Just fancy yourself peeping
into neatly furnished parlor in one of our
beautiful eastern villages. The venitian
blinds have been thrown open from the north
window; and the sash raised so as 10 admit
the fresh morning air, and the scent of the
newly blown white roses, and near il sit two
ladies. The eldest (pardon me for telling
you that she is an OldMaid and not ashamed
of IL nor her age, is probably little more
than forty, though her brow is scarcely
stamped with the impress of years, so lightly
have they invaded her beauty. Her features
are regular and delicately moulded, her COM
pexion fair, and her eyes of the clearest blue.
Her lips are sill coral, though not quite as
fresh as they were in girlhood, and her
cheeks, though they wear the glow ofhealih,
have evidently lost their summer roses. On
her head she wears Il graceful white turban,
into which her companion has just fastened
white rose, with its leaves of green, so adj
jusied that it only half conceals the rich folds
OF her dark brown hair, which IS parted over
one oil the finest moulded foreheads magma
Bile. Her Dress cut in moderately fashiona-
BILE style, is made ola delicate pattern of
printed null; for Aunt Susan thinks glaring
coiors quite unbecoming an Old Maid Her
right arm Is lald on the window sill, and in
her lett she holds periodical, though she is
evidently thinking instead Of reading.
On char opposite Aunt Susan, sits her
niece. She is Just such face and fioure as
you love 10 look upon when YOU feel inclined
10 melancholy, for every glance from her
laughter-leving eyes seems TO saw palmer
than words
"Away with melancholy,
Dull time is on thy wing,
Away with all such folly,
And merriy. meTily sing
IN short, she is rosy-cbeeked. hazeI-eved
brunette, with her hair as black and olossy
as ravens wing, and every motion of her
bright coralips displays the most sportive
dlmples that ever nestled AMONG The damasl,
chPak Of i r.