Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1851-07-23
LITTLE THINGS.
THE INDEX OF CHARACTER.

THE INDEX OF CHARACTER.
Those trihng acts which show consideration
for others, where neglect might perhaps pass un-
observed, but to which true kindness will
prompt, are better tests of real goodness of
heart than courtesy of manners in society, or
deeds of public charity which may spring from
desire of approval. This genuine benevo-
lence is more clearly observable in the deport-
ment of the neglected, or, when shown in
solictude for the guilty, where its manifestation
may bring censure rather than eclat. remem-
Der an instance which illustrates what seeming
trihes are, sometimes, true indications of char
acter.
A few years since in travelling, it chanced that
spent the night at the house Of some friends
of my mother, who were previously strangers
to me. The time of my arrival proved rather
an unpropitious one for first visit. A gener-
al house-ceaning was in progress, and the good
lady Of the house was fearful there was not a
place in it fit for me to sleep in. 1t was eve
ming when arrived, and operations had been
suspended for the time; but everything was in
confusion.
Much fatigued, and suffering from a severe
pain in my head, | retired at an early hour
The room assigned me for the night, was the
same to be occupied by the two daughters of
my hostess, whom, as they had gone out with
some young companions for moonlight walk,
had not seen. A portion of the furniture of
the apartment had been removed, but the nice
bed that had been placed there for temporary
convenience, was so fresh and neat, and its de-
licous softness so grateful to my frame, worn
by long journeying, that, despite my WEAKNESS
and pain, soon fell asleep.
was awakened from pleasant dream by
the sound OF voices below stairs. The sisters
had returned from their walk, and | heard their
mother announce to them my arrival.
Again fell into slumber, and was aroused
by some one in the room. On opening my eyes
| saw figure leaving my bedside, which, | sup
posed, to be one of the young ladies who had
been taking peep at me in my sleep, as she
proceeded to the other bed, and heard her pre-
pairing for rest Pain forced me to close my
eyes again; but how do you think was ena-
bled to decide, and correctly, upon the disposi-
tions of these two girls without seeing their
faces, or hearing them speak ore word-or, but
one and how, on the next morning, | knew,
just by looking at them, which retired first
1t was simply in this way. When the first who
entered the room left my bedside, she went to
her own, and, drawing to her chair, she took of
her heavy walking shoes, and, throwing them
to little distance, they met the unexpected
floor with a concussion which made me start
| then heard her go to the closet, near her bed
and commence rumaging among its contents
apparently for some missing article. Then open
ing the door of the apartment, she called " Fran
ceS," but, her sister not hearing, she closed il
heavily, and jumping into bed, drew stand to.
wards her, and appeared to be busted in read
ing for few moments; then she extinguished
the light, and her breathing soon indicated that
she slept.
Now these things slight as they might seem
Jared very disagreeably on my feelings; the
more so, from my peculiar state of mind-no
merely,the sounds themselves, but the want o.
sensibility they implied, which, | thought, woult
instinctively prompt the noiseess step and gen
tie hand, when in the apartment of the weary
who are seeking rest. While these thoughts
were passing in my mind, for was now thor
oughly awakened, the other sister entered th'
r room.
4 Gently closing the door, she slipped off he
shoes at the threshold, aad going on tp-toe Il
the bedside, she softly whispered" Nary" bu
her sister was sleeping and she soon CAREFUL.
took her place at her side.
: q" Mary" | said to myself--tis sweet name
: : but fear she is not as gentle--for felt tina
Y persons real disposition is more clearly re
yeaed, in their unguarded moments, and in tr