Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1845-11-06
NJ ] S % u u Il A AZ & O
THE CITY BELIEF;
,R SIX MONTHS IN THE COUNTRY
BY MRS. LYDIA J. PERSON.

"My sweet Louisa, the doctor has informed
your pa that he can prescribe nothing farther
Tor you, except six months residence in the
country, which with proper care, he SAYS,
may greatly alleviate your symptoms. We
have consulted on the subject; and ] have
concluded TO write TO relation of yours in
Lebanon county, TO know if she can accom-
modate and nurse you. Your pa and cam
not possibly leave the city at present, bu,
Sarah shall accompany you, and she is care
ful and afiectionate.'
sob! ma, how can | live six months in
the country-away from fashion, society. and
all the elegances of life; and with no other
companions than the rude, ignoran, country
girls? Dear ma, cannot think of it, had
rather stay and die here"
This conversation took place between Mrs
Henshaw and her invalid daughter. in one of
the most elegantly furnished parors in Phil
adelpha. Mrs. Henshaw was leader in the
fashionable circle, and her only child. Louisa
had been belle from grlhood. But a de-
preston Of spirits and bodily langour had for
some time lain heavily over her, and her
health had begun rapidly to decline. Per.
haps she could have explained the cause of
her illness, but she did not attempt it and
her afiectionate mother determined TO Law m
on her country relatives the burdens of which
she was SO heartily weary. 1t was to her
own brother she had resolved 10 confide her
child. He was a wealthy farmer, living on
the very lands on which she had PASSED her
youth. Having been adopted by a wealthy
chldless aunt, she married the rich and ele.
giant MIR. Henshaw, and had utterly forgotten
% md r.. I'll. e
1t became necessary to take Louisa TO the
country, and the utter impossibility of leaving
the city herself, awakened in her memory the
idea OF brother that was once dear TO her.
But she spoke of him then only as relation.
trusting her daughters pride would Justify
cautIon.-Louisa wept bitterly at the thought
OF leaving her parents, the city, and her &C
qualntances, but Mrs. Henshaw fastened the
preparations, and the invalid lady with her
maid was sent away, with an earnest charge
to avoid damp air and damp iee:, and write if
she should grow worse.
1t was the later part of March when she set
out, but the day was exceedingly fine. Loui-
sa wePt until the carriage was some miles
from the city, and the sun high in the clear
heavens. Then she uncovered her face and
looked out Of the window with determine
ton to see something hateful, or at least some
unpleasant object. But her eyes fell on neat,
white dwellings and fair fields, with soft
shade OF green on every swell, relieving the
brown ground work, and orchard trees stand
ing in slightly rows, while the light winged
songsters were flashing to and. fro, and filled
the air with their chipping melody. allow
beautiful" she cried Involuntary. She was
already in love with the country.
Mrs. Henshaw received several brief letters,
stating that Louisa was contenled, and that
her health was improving.
III wonder how she can be contented.n
Mrs. Henshaw would exclaim, "a girl like
Louisa, so genteel, so highly accomplished,
SO very delicate and sensitive, to be contented
among such ignorant, unpublished people !!
suppose, however, she is amused at the won
der and admiration Of the country beaux and
bellies, and enjoys sort of queenly triumph
amongst them. How must her fine figure,
and magnificent costume, and refined Ian
guage and manners contrast with the coarse
ness oil the young creatures around her. ]
should like to see her in the rustic church,
shining among them like dew spangled rose
ID field OF daisies. ] wonder how she gets
along with the young Grays. | warrant she
Keeps them all at her feet, for she is queen
~ ,g'ri. ] should be amused to see their
awkward attempts at initiating her dress,
speech, and manners.
toward the last of September, Mrs. Hen
shaw was surprised at the recent of large