Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1847-01-28
Select Gales.
THE DAMASK CURTAINS.
A TALE FOR THE LOVERS OF SHOW
BIT ANN MARIA SARaEANT.
Luxury lay straining its low thought
To folm unreal wants.--THoMsoN.


IT was the season of the year when autumn
and winter may be said to blend into each other
The day had been fine, but the evening was
misty and disagreeable, making the prospect of
a cheerful fire, warm hearth-rug, and the re-
freshing beverage of tea, particularly inviting.
At least such was the anticipations of Mr.
Duncan, as he applied his hand to the old fash
Toned brass knocker of his private residence in
- street. The summons was answered
by an attached female domestic, who had been
resident in his family ever since his marriage-a
period of nearly ten years; and she no sooner
opened the door than she perceived that some
thlng had disturbed The usually tranquil mind Of
her master. She felt, however, that it was not
her place to make inquiries as to the cause, and
therefore contented herself by aO increased So
leitude for his comfort; she took his walking
cane from his hand, and assisted in disburder-
ing him of his great coat; then entered the front
parlor, which was the common sitting-room OF
the family, she replenlshed the fire, which had
been suffered to get low Mr. Duncan felt these
little attentions though he said not word; but
he looked round for her mistress, and was sur
prised not to find her at her accustomed seat,
with the tea prepared for his arrival. Sally read
the question that was about to be asked ere it
was uttered, and in reply observed that Mrs
Duncan was up stairs in the drawing-room; she
dared not say that she would be with him in a
minute
The temper Of Mr.. Ducan was placid in the
L. ~ cha .rhi oL
one has not the heart to find fault with; they pos
sess so much that is admirable, and yet cannot
be classed with minds ola nobIer order He
was engaged in line Of commerce which re-
CURED great personal application, aud yielded
but small profits and during the past day haG
sustained heavy and altogether unexpected loss
Throwing himself into his ebow-chair, he museC
for some minutes over the transactions of the
day, when the sound Of his wife's well known
light step in the passage, caused him to raise hi
eyes with look of anxiety towards the door
1t opened and Mrs Duncan entered. She was
pretty woman Of fve-and-thrty, with somewha
diminutlve, but perfectly symmetrical figure,
brunette complexion, sparkling black eyes, ant
animated features.-"Oh my dear William" sh'
exclaimed as she hustled into the room, 81 hat
not an idea that you had returned; did no
hear you knock; but we will have tea immedi
ately," and she put her hand to the bell as sht
spoke 81 have had such pleasant adventure
to-day" the lady pursued, without regarding, o
perhaps we should say noticing, the blank aspec
OF her husband; 81 had occasion to go out t
make few purchases, and whom should NEE
but my old friend and schoolellow Catharin
Brown, now Mrs. Peacock 1t was mutua
source of delight, for we had not seen each 9th
er for fourteen years; and what is better still, sh
has taken one of the new houses in - street
SO that we shall be near neighbors again, as W
were in our native town."
Mr. Duncan was not naturally sensitive, bu
the disappointment of the past day had made hir
SO at this time, and he could not but feel pan
as his wife entered into detail of her own plea
ures, without observing the cloud upon lis brow