Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1846-11-27
Queen Casters Rock.

USee. see, what q treasure have found in aunt
Msrv's satchel" cried our little pet, Bell, holding
ND small piece of redish colored stone, which
her busy fingers had drawn forth 10 the no small
disturbance ofsundry brokenpipes balls ofthread,
and small bits of antiquated gowns, the last sad
relics of aunt Mary's former glory, and whose
so:Ied and mutiated formswere in the habit OF be-
ing treated with rather more ceremony, than the
lawless Young rummager had used in endeavorng
10 obtain the object of her wonder-"Y You will tell
us all about H." continued she teasingy, chow
captain Symmes sent it to you all the way from
the north pole, and how"
"My dear, my DEAR" interrupted the old lady,
"I'd put it right away back again where found
II. and be careful too, it's something am pretty
saving Of though don't like to look at it much,
Ills a piece of Queen Casters Rock"
She put kind of low marked emphasis upon
the last words, which made me raise my eyes to
see what could be the important singuarlty IN
Question. There was nothing remarkable in Its
ppnearance. to distinguish it from any other ircg'
n'ent of common rock; save that two or three
Isy glossy spots of the color of blood, were dis
cernable on its surface.
"And ray,what may bethe history of the mar
vellousthing, which you dignity with such royal
oppellation,'' asked 'who is Queen Easter!"
spoke pretty loud, as usually do, and was
surprised to find myself answered by deep moan
of distress. from aunt Mary's insane companion,
crozv Rose. as she was called, cpd one whom
had never seen give the least evidence OF ration
al understanding.
"Miserable creature" exclaimed aunt Mary, II
reply to my enquiring looks, ''poormlSerable crea
ture, that she is, nothing has ever seemed to pen
citrate the midnight cloud, which has for mor'
than forty years, hung over her once brlllian
mind. save that name, that most detestible o
names. Queen Easter; and God knows, she ha
reason enough 10 remember that"
The reader would perhaps like to know moF
of the history of the persons here introduced, AM
the relationship existing between them, than tn
shove brief items have developed. And as | Gr
ALWAYS very quieScent in receiving lavors fror
others, and believe in the doctrine of reciprocity
Twill very accommodating relate all the fey
narticuIars with which report had then made m
acquainted, and the story appended may iurnls
the rest.
Mary Somers was my fathers eldestsister. An
dearest, might say too, for he always spoke {
her in terms of the supremest affection. She ha
ever since my earliest recollection resided in tn
same old picturesque cottage, with slate colore
doors, yellow blinds, a long, old fashionable trol
stoop, with splendid row of blue painted doN
houses, suspended againstthe wall; and the Who'll
doves. doors, and windows, sweetly shaded
thick clustering hops and mock oranges; vii
only an occasional opening for the sun.
Aunt Mary possessed one of the kindest hear
Imaginable. But as have heard thatthe like e
preston is frequently made by those young po
tionless misses, who are in hopes Of receiving
small iointure on their marriage day, from son
haf.crazed maiden aunt by dint of hattery, lwou
lust mention lin order to clear myself in the re
der's eye, of the charge of selfshness) that n
own dear pa is quite Girard in point of propC
ty, and should make choice to suit him, viii
i calculate by all means to do, shall be abu
dantly supplied with this worlds goods, wthc
resortng 10 any measures to procure them, sa
that of being a very obedient child. And n,
that have given this explanation, can aga
look you boldly in the face, and say with positi
emphasis, that aunt Mary was one of the kind
creatures living; she was extremely fond of ct
dren, which is said to be very unusal thing W
oldmaids, though always believedt 10 be a gr'
sander upon the good long faced siserhood) q
the affechonate caresses she used to lavish up
us. together with the fine creamed strawberri
and other little delicacies with which she used
treat us, made her smiling cottage most delig
full retreat for the little city cousins, as she V,
farerngly denominated myself and sisters.
was stated that in early life, she had been poss
sed of uncommon Intellectual powers, but
then distracted state of the country, forbade II
improvement by systematic education; nor co
these faculties have been much impaired by a
for she was acknowledged by all to be an unu
ALLY intelligent old lady. The ever varying
preston of her dark, and still lusuouseyes. sP