Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1851-04-25
THE CRIMSON
DAMASK WINDOW-CURTAINS.
BY MISS ANN MARIA sARGEANT.
Luxury lay straining its low thought
To form urreal lMants.=TuoMSoN.

Luxury lay straining its low thought
To form unreal wants.-IHoMSoN.
1t was that season of the year when autumn
and winter may be said to blend into each other
| The day had been fine, but the evening was
misty and dsagreeable, making the prospect OF
cheerful fire, warm hearth-rug, and the re-
freshing beverage of tea, particularly inviting.
AT least, such were the anticipatons of Mr.
Duncan, as he applied his hand to the old
fashioned brass knocker OF the door of his pr-
vate residence in--street, ST. George s>in-
the. East. The summons was answered by an
attached female domestic, who had been resi-
dent in his family ever since his marriage-a
period Of nearly ten years and she no sooner
opened the door, than she perceived that some
thing had disturbed the usually tranquil mind
of her master.-She felt, however, it was not
her place to make inquiries as to the cause,
and therefore conlenled herself by an increased
soctude for his comfort she took his walking.
cane from his hand, and assisted in dsburden-
ing him of his great coat Z; then, entering the
front parlor, which was the common sitting
room of the family. she replenished the fire,
which had been suffered to get low.
Mr.. Duncan felt these little attentions,
though he said not word but he looked
round for her mistress, and was surprised not
10 find her in her accustomed seat, with the
tea prepared for his arrival. Sally read the
question which was about TO be asked before it
was uttered, and in reply, observed that Mrs.
Duncan was only up stairs, in the drawing
room she dared to say she would be with him
in minute
The temper of Mr.. Duncan was placid in
the extreme. He was one of those characters
which one has not the heart to find fault with,
they possess so much that is admirable and vet
can not be classed with minds of a noble order.
He was engaged in line of commerce which
required, great personal application. and yielded
but small profits; and during the past day, he
had sustained heavy and altogether uneX-
pected loss. Throwing himself into his elbow
chair he unused for some minutes over the
transactions, of the day, when the sound of his
wife's well known light step in the passage
caused him to raise his eyes with look of
anxiety towards the door. 1t opened and Mrs.
Duncan entered. She was pretty woman of
five-and-thirty, with somewhat dminutive,
but perfectly symmetrical figure, brunette
complexion, sparkling black eyes, and animated
features.
| 80, my dear William she exclaimed, as she
came bustling into the room, i had not an idea
you had returned did not hear you knock
but we will have tea Immediately; ; and she put
her hand to the bell as she spoke. Il have had
such a pleasant adventure to-day the lady
pursued, without regarding, or perhaps we
should say noticing, the blank aspect of her
husband had occasion to 90 out to make a
few purchases, and whom should | meet with
but nv old friend and schoolelIow Catharine
Brown, now Mrs. Peacock 1t was mutual
source of delight, for we had not seen each
other for fourteen years; and what is better
ehA hae gnl,o Al l.
-street, SO that we shall be near neighbors
again, as we were in our native town..
| MIR. Duncan was not naturally sensitive, but
the disappointment of the past day had made
so at this time, and he could not but feel a
pang as his wife thus entered into the detail of
her own pleasures, without observing the cloud
upon his brow. lie felt il the more deeply be-
cause his servant had perceived it, and tactly
strove to soothe, where verbal sympathy might
have been deemed mpertinent but he was too
kind hearted to utter lretfu or impatient word
in return, and therefore strove to smile as he
remarked,
Then you had long chat about YOUR girl
hood days, presume.
NO, we had not the lady returned I'VE left
that for another opportunity, for we hope to
meet often. Mrs. Peacock insisted on nv going
home to take luncheon with her, and then she
showed me her beautifully furnished house and
splendid wardrobe. O was delighted to see
her so comfortable; but it made me very dssar-
isfied with our little mean house, and old fash
oned furniture
Il wish, my dear, you had never met with
Mrs: Peacock Mr.. Duncan observed
why so, William p
because, from your own confession, it has
made vou dissatisfied with your home, and sure
ly that is the worst thing have to dread, Janet,
NAY, my dear but it did not make me dis
satisfied with yon, she replied, with one of her
most winning smiles.
J True; yet perhaps that will be the next step,