Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1847-09-15

q y = - 81 II AON IN ~ u =
oloo1aooooocoe-e o1-soNeaaoo-ocgac1on
4RAVENNA, O.
which is followed by Immediate and cor
Responding dction. You have prayed ior
the hungry have fed them.
{. The parson felt the justice Of the act,
Ind sfnothering his Sexation beneath look
sfextfeme gravity, replied: s:The poor
EfrlinisteFSsis one to whom it is commanded
to give"
ssBut the servant of the Lord ceases to
merit such gifts when his table is. laden
with silver and china,' pursued the incor-
rigible son, bestowing deliberate glance
well appsiafedd liinfscs-sess
no more, beseech you sir; ouwill CON
|tinue to pray, and, so often as lies within
my power, your prayers shall be suitably
answered. A slice Of that turkey, sir, if
you please; my walk has given me sharp
appetite
the carving knife, while the scheming Mrs.
Anderson bit her lips and bent her eyes
on her son with look which plainly said,
What was the use of giving away those
nice things?'
But the domestic clouds at last disappear
ed beneath the cheering influences of
Thanksgiving dinner, and the conversation
turned upon a select party, which they
were to receive that evening. and which
for the first time, was permitted to displace
the accustomed meeting for prayer and ex-
hortation.
Shortly after dinner, the rooms were
properly lighted, the evening refreshments
in order, fresh fuel heaped upon the glow
ing Goals, and Mrs. Anderson's smiling face
was every where visible, while the Parson
occupied his armchair in stately dignity,
secretly enjoying the scene for more than
he considered proper to allow. Laurens
had not been seen since his hasty depart
ure from the dinner-table but his absence
excited no surprise.
The scene was becoming more brilliant.
From respect 10 their minister boisterous
mirth was restrained, but there was O re-
) fined and subtle gayety among the elegant
| and wealthy parishioners, who alone COM
t posed the party, that rendered it sufficient
ly attractive to oil.
,
the Parson. 4 hope he will not deprive
US of his society the whole evening"
: Il cannot answer for him, madam re-
piled the spiritual guide; his waywardness
will yet break my heart
At this moment the clergyman's daugh'
tier entered and.whispered something in his
eur which caused IN angry flash to over.
spread his sharp, pale features, and without
delay he hastened from the room
Arriving at the kitchen, he was surpris
) ed, and for moment dismayed, to fine
that Laurens had returned with somewhat
more than dozen persons, who, moving
in the humber and poorer walks OF life
had been considered unworthy Of invita-
f tions to the ministerial party.
My friends, my dear friends, sir, ex
+ claimed the young man, without giving hi
father an opportunity Of speaking; let MT
n introduce them;' and quickly presenting
q each by name, they proved without excep
ton to be members of that society whicl
q he was wont so fondly TO term his hock.-
r Il have been gathering the lambs, the lonl
/ neglected lambs of your fold, sir cont;nu
ed the son, sand | have brought them here
: that for once they may feast upon the goo'
/ things of this life and be merry
q The parson was desperate-the lady wa
q beside herself, to admit these persons anon
# the aristocratic guests was not to be tho
# of, and vet the character Of good sheE
!. herd must be sustained.
y 'My son. gravely commenced the latte
g drawing him one side, it will never do
q, introduce these people among our visitor
,e they would consider it a personal insul
,e still, as recognize them as my hearers,
have no wish to treat them rudely. Civ
to them supper in the kitchen, and dismi
Sc them, pray you'll command you,' /
ed added, with flashing eye, as he read tt
Mt refusal on Laurens' ingenious count
1T. nance.
as mo entreaties-no commands will
IS of any avail to alter my plan,' replied tt
ed son, firmly. Come, my friends he adj
rs. ed, suddenly and smilingly appearing
ofl them, I'VE will now enter the parlor;
,e- not be disconnected; depend upon me
ed make you friends
res Presently Laurens Anderson entered Il
his brilliantly lighted rooms, with bloomi'
,er girl on each arm; one, the daughter OF
washer-woman who officiated in the fan
as lies of most of the persons present; the OF
rst er, young milliner's apprentice; deico
~ ], and beautiful as the silks and flowers whi
.on she daily wove into such exquisite torn
or. With eloquent and easy condescensio
re- Laurens presented his friends to his fathe
If guests, and despite the freezing coldn
the distant and digni6ed bows, the smo
led cred sneers, the hall-uttered ridicule,
DIV. continued 10 introduce his little party, q
, to in half an hour they were merrily engas
Ids. in games which attracted the attention
me all present.
a of Deeply mortified at so unwarrantablt
50 proceeding, the Parson had seized an
sti- portunity to withdraw to his study for a f
the moments, to gain that tranquility OF M
which had twice that day been disturb
uon Instantly taking advantage of his absen
dis. Laurens gathered his friends into bi
1air parlor, closed the folding doors, led his
wlv ter to the piano, and with few who c
md sented to Join them, were soon whlrllng
re- mazes of the merry dance.