Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1850-05-09

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she knew that she was really essential to her:
whilst for Sophy, rude as she sometimes ap-
peared, she cherished warm attachment,
for she alone acted towards her as an equal
and friend.
Grace Addison was not beautiful but she
had charms enough TO make her a danger
Gus rival, had she appeared on equal terms
with the sisters. She shrunk, however,
from society, and seldom appeared at Mrs.
Medway's soirees-very much, it must be
confessed, to that lady's satisfaction. We
have said Grace was not beautiful-'lovely'
is the epithet properly belonging TO her
Scarcely above the middle height, her slen-
der form was inexpressibly graceful in all
its attitudes; there was no angles about her,
Sophy said. Every accidental position was
a study for a sculptor-and never was the
name of Grace more fifty applied. Her
deep, thoughtful blue eyes were shaded by
long black lashes, that rested on d cheek
whose deepest tint never exceeded the glow
on the lip of sea-shell, and the delicate
features and rich mass of hair gave that air
of refinement SO rare and SO indescribable.
Such was the family of which the nabob,
Jacob Midway, was expected to become an
inmate.
In Mrs. Medway's drawing room the fam
| lily was assembled TO receive the expected
guest. Sophy was ridculing her sister, and
initiating the welcome which she said Ma
llda had learned by rote, when the noise of
carriage wheels was heard, and presently
J LON of tba hal cd ba al
Mrs. Midway arose and went into the hall,
and then came the sound oftrunks unstrap-
ped, and packages thrown in, and next, en-
veloped in cloaks, the rich uncle stepped
/ from the carriage, and being welcomed by
Mrs. Midway, was shown at once to his
room, where every accommodation for his
comfort had been made. He had a colored
servant, and as many packages as even Ma
tilda expected, but no pet monkey or ma
caws as yet appeared.
well, mamma, what is he like |! ex-
claimed both daughters in breath, as she
re-entered the room.
GU shall Judge for yourselves present.
1 w. she answered. He does not appear to
be equity, however, for he stepped quite firm
ly into the hall, and his voice is pleasant
dnu not al all cross.
so, perhaps, Matilda will not have the
qualification of being martyr after ALL
cried Sophy, laughing her honey-water
will sour by keeping, and my vinegar be-
come fiat well, after all, | am little dis
appointed. don't believe he is al all rich
Matilda, unless he is equity, cross, aud eve
rything bad it would be too much of
good thing if he were
Matilda did not much relish her sisters
ralery, and sharp reply rose to her lips, as
the door opened and her uncle entered
Mrs. Midway Immediately rose, and intro
duced him to her daughters, aud Grace Of
accepted. and then expressed, IN very few
words, his thanks for her courtesy.
He was of course an object of great in
terest to the little group, and did not alto
gether answer their expectations.
Uncle Midway was tall, and rather stout,
with fine open countenance, yellow and
brown TO be sure IN It's hue, but the express
sion of his mouth contradIcted at once all
idea of Immature. His eye was small, with
keen, shrewd, searching expression, and
one could scarcely credit that their vision
was impaired So that, without glasses, he
could not distinguish minute objects. He
carried an ear cornet III his hand and apoi-
oglzed for his IhfirmltIes, speaking IN ner-
vous and abrupt manner.
You will find me a troublesome inmate,
] fear, madam, he said to Mrs. Midway
my nfirmiiies make inc poor companion.
am man of few words, and my loss Of
hearing renders ii almost impossible to en-
e Ia
the pleasure Of reading is in part denied
me-
My daughters will be delighted to serve
you in every way said Mrs. Medway, gra-
ciously.
Now is your chance loudly whispered
Sophy to her sister, lay your eyes, ears
and tongue at the feet of your golden idol
Sophv. exclaimed her mother, in ago.
N.Y. but the sight of the ear-cornet Gained
her fears.
The evening passed slowly away. I'm
Gle Midway retired early, and the young la
dies, after exchanging opinions of him went
to rest, to dream golden dreams, as Sophy
maliciously said.
Uncle Midway did not appear at break
fast on the following morning but during
the forenoon, when the young ladies' were
occupied at their several employments, he
Unexpectedly entered, and with an apologet- /
ic smile and bow, took the seat which Ma
tlda fastened to offer, rendering at the |
same time very affectionate inquiries after
his health. The old gentleman very quiet
ly put Oh his glasses and lowered his ear
cornet, requesting her to repeat her words,
while Sophy mallcousy offered to prompt
her in case she forgot her lesson. Matilda |
looked thunder at her sister, and sunshine |
at her uncle, as she repeated her questions.
rested pretty well, thank you, said her
uncle, 'and as hope to become better ac-
quainted in time, you will not, l trust, be
offended at my scrutiny He took Matil-
da's hand as he spoke, and looked earnest
ly in her countenance.
Do you consider me like papa?' she in
CURED, with her most engaging smile, and
speaking In the cornet, without which it
was evident he could hear nothing
Humph! not much; your sister there
is more like him. he answered pointing
with his ear trumpet to Sophy.
~ l. Il.