The Sumter banner. [volume] (Sumterville, S.C.) 1846-1855, 1849-08-01
intelligence that Miss Lucy Meek was
in the parlor.

Good heaven ! what shall do p she
cried, addressing her daughter, who
was sauntering by her side, and Ian
guidly criticising the arrangements.
IF she only had staid until after the
party What can we do with hcr?'
'Wc must at least proceed to the par.
lor, and try to welcome her with civil
ty.' remarked Amina. 'Shc may not
be so unprescntable as we have pictur-
cd her. And the high bred mother and
daughter descended to the palor, deter
mining to treat the awkward country
girl with all the condcsccnding kindness
possible.
Their surprise was no less over
whclming than agreeable, when they
bchcld seated perfectly at case, with a
book which she taken from the centre
table, a lovely little girl, fair as lily,
with very small hands, and foot peep,
ing from beneath her travelling dress,
as if dcfying competition which it
might have done with safety. She no
sooner perceived her relatives than she
sprang to meet them, in the most affcc-
tionatc manner, and returned graceful
ly the embraces and kisses which thcy
bestowed upon her with real pleasure.
When Amina, after showing Lucy to
her chamber, joined her mother in the
saloon, she exclaimed
'Oh mamma! l could hardly have
believed that young lady educated in
the country, could have been so per
tectly gcnteel as cousin Lucy is. Ilovc
her dearly, already. And then her
wardrobe why ma, her dresses are
really elegant. So simple and taste
tul in style, just like her sweet self
she has never been Injured to labor, |
am certain
Certainly not replied Mrs. Grandv;
and | am happy to find my sisters
daughter real lady. | am glad now
that she has arrived before the party.
She Is such an elegant contrast to YOU.
Amlna. You will be the rose of the
partcrrc, and she will represent the
pure white lily
When the family met at dinner, Mrs.
Grandy was almost in despair. The
cook that she had hired expressly to
prepare refreshments for the party,
was taken suddenly and violently ILL.,,
and neither maid nor mistress knew
how to compound or fashion the guam
tues OF beaten eggs, grated sugars,
cilervcsccd cream and butter milk pull
verlzed spices, and clarified butter, that
formed with flour, and yeast, and citrons
and oranges, ralsins and currants, and
confectionery, medley of confusion,
in pantry and kitchen.
DO you not understand baking?' ask
cd Lucy of Amina.
'Oh indeed, no; replied the aston
ishcd belle.
Nor YOU, aunt?' she cnquircd of Mrs
Grandy.
My dear, l never lcarncd,' murmcr,
ed the lady.
Itis very strange Lucy said--and
then she went on--'Wcll aunt, If you
will trust me, will produce as fine
cakes as any cook in the city,
You alc too young, Lucy cried
Mrs. Grandy, even if you had studied
cooking all your life but you seem SO
confident, and as | can do 10 better.
you may try
'Will you assist nc, Anina? will
engage that SO far from injnring your
fair hands, the Slight toll will increase
their beauty
But what can l do?' asked Amina
laughing.
'Oh, | will direct you,' replied Lucy,
gaily; and tic cousins repaired to the
kitchen, where the clattcr of culinary
operations was cnlivcncd by merry
burts of'laughtcr, and joyous gushcs Of
sweet song.
Lucy made her debut at Mrs. Gran
dy's select party, iii robe Of pure
white muslin, her rich brown curls un-
confined, except by hllct of silver
gauzc, tied just back of the left ear, and
floating like soft mist below her grace
full waist Other ornament she wore
none; yet amid fine forms, robcd in vel,
vets and satins, flashing with gems, and
flowers, and feathers, she seemed a
spirit Of purcr sphere, and was dcci.
dcdly the belle, or goddess Of the gay
saloons.
'Do you sing, Miss Mcek?' cnquircl
the rich and fashionable Mr.. Colby, as
Miss Grandy arose from the piano.
'Oh yes she replied, laughing, 4
sing like wild bird, but do not play
OF make music scientifically
BY thls time she was the centre of
an cxpcctant circle, all eager for the
scng; and she without shadow Of en-
barrassmcnt, sang the Ettrick Shcp-
herds, Bird of the wildcrncss,,' to