The examiner., 1848-06-17

shook his trembling finger at us, but 'touch-
ed us gently Our hearts grew more uni
ted. nay William was temperate and frugal,
and we prospered.
by and by, letter came to US, from rel.
atives we had never expected to behold,
the first that we had received, stating that
they We're tired of city residence; also,
their wish that we would look out for
large and convenient cottage, as they would
remove thither the next Spring.
For the first time, my cottage, my best
room, in fact everything. looked too small;
and my furniture had thin coating of mean
ness. had often heard from my uncle,
who visited them when he went to the city,
that they were wealthy, lived supeTbly, and
Everything about them was on grand scale.
Their cottage was selected; a new and
beautiful one, situated on gentle declivity,
surrounded by lovely orchards, at little dis
tance from a most romantic waterfall, and
in the rear Of rich grounds, which, with
cultivation, might become fragrant and
delightful garden.
They came, or rather the lady, with her
children and furniture, came 6rst--and a
week after their arrival, were settled in their
new home. Never shall forget the morn
ing when | made ready to receive her first
visit. Everything, however clear and shi-
ming it m ght be, required a second scrub
bing or rubbing. Baby was taken up, its
little frock smoothed, its clean rosy face
wiped over and over again. The little look
ing glass in the clock 10y the way we had
no otheD was consulted at least a dozen
times, to see if the then young lady, wri-
ting this reminiscence was dressed with
sufficient taste. Husbands hair was smooth
ly combed and curled, and his hat drawn
closely over his brow with an injunction
not to take il of, for fear the wind would
blow il away while he was at work; and it
would never do for him to comb it before
the lady, to be sure.
His nice wedding suit, too, was laid care
fully upon the bed, that he might slip qui-
etly up stairs when he saw the visitors ap-
proaching and everything was in readiness
by 2 o'clock. BY and by carriage was
seen slowly winding down the road, and
my heart beat with anticipation, | will not
say fear, as took haSty survey of the
apartment, smoothed baby's frock down
once more, and saw husband skip by me
and leap up the stairs two at time.
As it neared the little path, which we had
dignifed with the name Of wild Rose
Path and stopped, lady, supposed, for
hardly knew; stepped out, and walking
leisurely along, met me at the door. By
her side ran little white-headed fellow,
plucking my choice plants, without hin.
,, drance or denial from his mother.
| did my best to welcome her, and she
entered with me, and passed along The room
as though Poor thought she was TO be
ushered into better.
| blushingly offered her one Of my vel
low wooden chairs, upon which she sal
with great condescensiOn.
Declining to take off her bonnet and shaw
! she began, in very small tone indeed, tc
converse with me; praised my baby, SAID il
, was very fat and rosy; enquired about my
parents and my husband, and then sat very
stiff and silent. Not so with the boy; spy,
ing my cupboard, he pointed bis puny hand
atit, crying out Ma, ma, that's Just such q
cupboard as you gave Meney for her par,
lor, amt it! You know Meney, don't YOU!
he continued, turning to me; she used to
be mama's chambemaid, but she's married
now was foolish enough to feel mortif-
. ed, and | know | appeared so, but just then
my William came down, looking so noble
and handsome that felt confidence imme.
diately. As | introduced him was pleased
to see Mrs. Montmorency look at him with
some astonishment. His clear full eye nov.
er fiinched at her gaze, and he returned her
bow with the air Of a prince. | am sure
| was proud of him then.
Very soon after, the lady with her i'll
bred boy departed, perhaps as glad to leave
as was glad to say goodbye.
Let me hasten. The visit was returned.
The magnificent parlors opened before us;
and the lady's three children, dressed in
Partisan elegance, paraded before, with 'he
of the cupboard at their head. They in
sisted upon our staying to tea, to show their
munihcence | suppose, and we accordingly
sat down to table loaded with silver plate,
and overloaded with delicacies.
Let me here hint that paIlor was a word
almost unknown in that time; many very
wealthy farmers resided here, but they all
had nothing more nor better than best
room, plainly furnished, and sparingly dec
GRATED. Pride had not even found resting
place for the sole Of its foot.
| returned home rather discontented; the
best room, | will not disguise it, looked
thoroughly mean. The walls, too, seemed
desolate, the floor covered with poverty's
carpet, that is, no carpet at all.
Baby was cross, 0he poor little thing had
taken eold) | was out Of humor, and every
thing seemed wrong. Instead of our cheer
ful fre-side chat, an oppressive silence
weighed down our spirits for some time.
At last-belore ! was aware, | murmur-
ed Il wish we had one.'
'What is it Ellen, parlor?' exclaimed
William, divining my thoughts; well, you
shall have one, but you will find no more
happiness in il, than in our snug little
ROOM
But can we afford it? / asked almost be.
side myself with pleasure.
Yes, he replied; Il can afford to buy
furniture for parlor, but / am afraid you
will then be discontented with the rest Of
our house,
% no! no. was my answer; we can take
the large room up stairs, that has never been