Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1851-11-12

broke INTO smile almost sarCastC, do sHo
walked quickly to the drawer Oft SHINING
centre-table, and took from thence bundle
of cards, each one bearing set questions
and answers.
Here they are, said she, giving them to
the ladies; our children call them the Ge-
osraphy Cards and we do often ask and
answer the questions in order that we may
amuse and instruct them at the same time.
Miss Crump gave two orthree very short,
sharp coughs, and rose to say good morn
ing.
Mrs Drake, looking as if she were the
most prosecuted of human beings, also rose
and said she felt it to be her duty to pay
some visits in Silver street before dinner.
The pastor went with worn lock to his SER
mon to take up the thread Of thought which
had been so rudely broken: and wife went
with long sigh to the baby she had neglect
ed for the morning call. She bad scarcely
smoothered it into slumber before she was
summoned to the parlor to meet Miss Dut-
ton.
The lady looked at Mrs. Morris with her
little faded-out blue eyes, and said-holding
up at the same time large green bag, drop
sical with large amount of knitting work
and balls
Well, Mrs. Norris, have come to spend
part of the day with you,quite in the fam
lily way now, don't put yourself out at
all.
Then taking off her bonnet and shawl she
settled herself in the best chair. dragged
the knitting from the green bag, and began to
knit and rock unwinding at the same time
with her sharp tongue all the news she had
gathered since her last visit. She informed
Mrs. Morris that she dined the other day at
DR.. Halls and that she had nothing on The
table she could eat; she never could bear
boiled dinner she did like something that
could be relished
Poor Mrs Morris began to think of the
resources of her larder, and fled to the kitch-
en- to consult with her maid of all work as to
dinner prospects.
Biddy, you may get both the steak and
the salmon for dinner.
But you'll be wanting the fish tomorrow,
ma am, said Blddy, startled at this unusual
prodigality.
know it, but we must do without it;
Miss Dutton is here to day, and as she is
particular about such things, we will try to
please her.
The dinner which was also relished by
an naeent for the amelioration ofthe con-
dition of the Jews" being over, Miss Dut-
ton began 10 think of some neighbcrS she
might gossip with over dish OF tea, and
soon tool, her leave, with the green bag,
much to Mrs. Morriss comfort.
One hour of quiet, the tired mother found
in her nursery. At the expiration of that
time fat, warm looking woman, with a
butterfly daughter on her arm, hustled into
the parlor; & Mrs. Morris left her children
with sigh to have a ses ion with Mrs.
Horton and daughter Mary.
Mrs. H the elder, breathed very hard,
and wiped her face as If the weatherwas ex-
ceedingly hot.
Mrs. Morris, cried she with her shrill, ,pi-
ping voice, few of us ladies have for some
time been thinking that we would make you
a present. mean those ladies Mai'S frirnd-
Iy 10 you. My daughter Mary and myself
stated the thing at one of the deacon's meet
ings. We have heard that you were going
to get a new black silk dress. have spent
the whole Of two days in going about with a
subscription paper, and have at last got about
money enough to buy pretty good one !;
nv daughter and myself headed the sub
scription with one dollar.
Mrs. Morris began to murmur her thanks
for the intended kindness, and said she had
needed such dress for some time.
But, said Mrs. Horton, we have heard
thai you intended cutting up your old one
fer Su-an, and we don't think it would be
the most economical plan d'aines and cal
leo are good enough far my children 10 wear
when they are young, and we ladies have
consulted about it, and think you had bet
ter keep your old one to save the new-in
that case we will get you dress, and a
good one for don't think Susan is old
enough to take care of silk dress.
| cannot promise, Mrs. Horton, said Mrs.
Morris, rosy hue tinging her cheek, to be
governed altogether by the ladies, in regu-
Iating the wardrobe of my children | ought
to be the best Judge Of their wants.
Very well, Mrs. Morris-and the fat lady
seemed to grow warm in the face-very
well, if you don't choose to accept dress
from us, we will not make any further eff
fort. We have had ministers families here
who had some gratitude, and were willing
to be advised. Mary my daughter, sha! we
go'
Poor Mrs. Morris began to be frightened
at the amount of spirit she had manifested,
and she now attempted i'll the way of an a.
pology.
The ladies are very kind to think of me-
assure you, madam; am very grateful
for
Mrs. Morris, interrupted the indignant
lady, you seem to know best. | am very
happy that you can be so independents
Mary, my daughter, come-good morning
Mrs. Morris.
Oh, with what longing for the wings Of
dove did Mrs. Morris 60 to her neglected
nursery; her husband had just returned
from his long walk, and, pale and exhaust
ed, had thrown himself on the lounge. He
is wearing his life away, thought she, and
we are both neglecting our children, and
yet we are called ungrateful, and spies are
placed at our house; our home is no home !;
it belongs to the parish, and yet they abuse
their own property; we try to do right, but
people are constantly finding fault.
Mrs. Morrs's meditation was soon inter-
rupted by young girl.
Mrs. Morris, mother wants to know if you
Will let her have some green tea; she ain t