The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1849-08-11

ny things which would seem strange to
her at first; for the active and busy Ger
trude had been hither to the presiding spirit
of her cheerful home. There were one or
two little articles, however, which Gertrude
wanted to complete her rousseau, and
which could not be procured nearer than
the market town of s., situated at the
extremity of the wood about five miles off;
but she knew the path well, having been
that way many times before. ''' '.,
Accordingly one fine morning, Gertrude
started for s., accompanied by Lily,
who, as their mother appeared unusually
well, and Eric had promised, not to leave
her, asked permission to 60 with her sister,
for there was nothing more that Lily en-
joyed than going to S., which, small as
the town was, seemed to her like another
world. ,..''.i.,t, A
Paul Vanderpant prophesied that there
would be heavy fall of snow before night;
but it certainly did not look like it then. 1t
was agreed, however, that, in case he
should be right. the sisters were to sleep at
the house of distant relative, who resi-
ded in the town, and Paul was to come o.
yer the next morning and fetch them home
He would have been glad to have accom-
panied them, could he have found time;
but, if the truth must be told, even Ger
trude was not sorry that he did not; for she
had, as we have said, several little pur-
chases to make, and men are sadly in the
way upon these occasions.
Lily laughed heartily, as she stood
warmly equipped for their long walk, and
with the early sunlight glittering upon her
bright, golden hair. "Be sure that you
bring the sledge, Paul." she exclaimed;
"for the snow will certainly be too deep to
admit of our walking back!"
"We shall see," replied Paul Wander
pant. good humoredly. .
81 would lay you any wager we are
home to night" presisted Lily.
81 hope so, if it be without danger. But
Gertrude, dearest, you will be careful, for
my sake!" ,a. sl asV .-.
Gertrude answered in low voice; and
joining her sister few moments afterwards
they passed into the thick wood, and were
soon out of sight; although their merry
voices, and Lily's clear, ringing laugh
fingered in the air for several moments,
and then died gradually away.
Notwithstanding that they are constant
| ly together, IT is astonishing how n,ony-
things sisters have to talk about-especial-
ly when it happens. as the present case,
| that one was on the eve of marriage
What bright plans were arranged! What
fairy hopes of future happiness! How the
real and ideal mingled together in their
thoughts and words, which, wander as they
would, ever come back to the one theme
How Lily talked and laughed, and prais-
ed Paul Vanderpant! and how Gertrude
blushed and listened, and loved her for
that praise!. The time passed away SO
quickly, they could scarcely believe that
they had indeed come to the termination
of that dreary wood, and were entering in
to the little markettown of s.. Neither
had they perceived how the beauty of the
morning had passed away, and the atmos-
phere gradually darkened and thickened
around them.
Gertrude's simple purchases were soon
made-much sooner than Lily approved
of for she fain would have fingered twice
as long, looking at the smart ribbons and
laces; but as her sister said, of what use
was it, since they could not afford to buy
any? They next went to visit the relative
before mentioned, who received them with
a hearty welcome.
81 think we shall have snow," said she
as they sat at dinner.
''It does look like it now. to be sure"
observed Lily. "How Paul will triumph
to find that he was right after all?'
'Do you think the snow will be much?"
asked Gertrude. N.l
''Not till sunset"
"And we shall be home by then"
''If you wish to return tonight" said
their hostess, 81 would advise you losing
no time about it."
"Let us CO." exclaimed Lilly, if it is on
ly to tease Paul. | do not believe it will
snow-at least not before we reach home;
we'll walk as fast as we did this morning."
Gertrude was also desirous of return
ing for she well knew her mother would
be fancying all sorts of improbable things,
and have no rest, if they did not come
home, although they tarried at her own
request. Accordingly, the sisters took a
hasty leave of their kind relative, and com
menced their journey homeward. The
cold was intense, and sharp easterly
wind came full in their faces, sometimes
in such violent gusts as almost to beat
them back again while the withered branch
es cracked and groaned as they bent be-
meath the blast. +; ;.-a,
"This is anything but pleasant" said
Lily, as she paused a moment to recover
breath and wrap the folds of her cloak
closer around her. 'sBut at any rate there
is no snow, and we shall yet laugh at Paul
for a false prophet
| As she spoke, a large white snow flake
drifed past before her eyes, and whirled
around and around as if in mockery.
Gertrude smiled as she pointed to it; but