Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1851-11-12
MISC L l. l. A n Y
FROM THE BERKSHIRE GAZETTE.
DAY AT THE PARSONAGE

The frugal breakfast was over, and the
wife and mother was composing her child
ren, and her still beautiful face, TOR the
morning devotions, when sharp ring was
heard at the street door, and a coarse, rough
looking man entered.
Morning, sir, was the friendly salutation.
corse to see ifyou'd gotO jim. Crawiord's S
funeral-it's this afternoon.
Where did he live, sir, civilly inquired
the clergyman think have not known
such person.
Likely-ior he never went to meeting !;
he lives out'on the Gore it's better than
two miles. But will you come TO the funer-
al dt twO U'ClUUk
Yes, will try and be there in time, an
swered Mr.. Morris.
Ny dear, said the wife, looking anxioasly
at her husband, you ought not to go so far
this chilly day, with your cold; and you
must not think of walking.
must go, Mary, and | fear | must walk,
for dare not look my bill at the livery sta
bic in the face. But my children, we will
be quiet now; and, Clara dear, you may
read.
Scarcely had the last petition of the good
man died away, before another ring OF the
door bell startled the little flock and green
shawl and orange scarf made their appear
ance simultaneously with their owner, Miss
Crump, who was thin, sharp-visaged per-
son, with keen black eyes, which seemed
always to know if cap Or collar were put
on the least awry; and everybody knew
that the thinnest fabric, or the shyest spider.
never escaped her vigilance
Miss Crump was accompanied by her
friend Mrs. Drake who had such severe
selirighteous expression in her face, that
always felt in her presence, IN spite otmy
better judgment that Mrs. Drake was sitting
near very unworthy person. Her eyes
seemed all the time to be saying, 81 must
ana will do my duty, however painful it
may be )" and for that matter her lips new
er quarreIed with their neighbors.
Poor Mrs. Morris looked anXlously at
the undusted chairs and tables; Miss Crump
looked with her two twinklng eyes at Mrs.
Morris, and at the same time seemed to be
scanning every piece of furniture in the
room.
Mrs. Drake looked with awful gravity at
her victim for some time, and then she
opened those solemn lips and said that she
had called that morning on very important
business. She was very sorry, bat her duty,
however painful, must be performed She
thought 1t was properthat Mr.. Morris should
be present, as it concerned him riaily.
Mr. Morris, who had gone to his study,
was summoned from his unfinished page, to
attend the vitality important matter.
Mrs. Drake looked at Miss Crump and
Miss Crump twinkled at Mrs. Drake, and
that lady commenced:
Iregret extremely that | am called here
on such an unpleasant errand; but you
know, my dear friend. that my duty, how
ever painful, must be performed; and as
this is a matter which affects the church
deeply, feel that it would be wrong in one
to keep silent longer.
Miss Crump's eyes twinkled now till they
seemed like two tiny sparks fire. Mrs.
brakes severity increased and she proceed
ed:
1t is reported, Mr.. and Mrs Morris, IN
this village, that you keep in your house
pack Of cards, and that you both are in the
habit Of spending whole evenings with your
children in playing cards. This is practis-
ing very different from what you preach,
Mr.. Morris and the influence upon our
young people will be most awful.
Mrs. Drake, said Mr. Morris, am sur
prised that any one knowing me should
have believed the story for one moment
Will you tell me who your informer was !?
Why. said Mrs. Drake, Cooking very
much II am holier than thou" | am not
at liberty to give names, butt the first place
young lady went into your parlor in the
evening. and she saw you all seated about
the centre table, playing cards. She said
they were hastily put into the drawer
Since that time people have watched ahttle,
and have seen you all doing the same thing
repeatedly.
Have watched me, asked Mr.. Morris,
how?
Why, through the windows, when the
curtains were drawn aside,