The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1852-11-24
l dE DAILY DISPATCH
1aE OLD BONNET.
A Story fer Autuu,.
BY MISS c. w. BARsys.

1t was black chilly day in Novembs- IT.
wind went waling like living ,hing snons
the naked trees, and dying away IN bonas
nurmurs through the leaf-bestrewn yalle,.
But iE the parlor of Mr.. Birdlong all was a.,
cheerful as May. A FIRE in the CRATE cast
genial warmth through the richly furnished
room. and the light from the somber sky stole
IN through heavy damask curtains, casting a
crimson shade over every thing-over the soft
richly piled carpet-the nicely polished chairs,
sofas and tables, and even staining to a deeper
glow the cheeks oftwo young girls, who sat
with some net w0rk in their hands before the
fire.
They sat and gossiped about the dress, man.
ners and habits of the various individuals whom
they knew. They were the daughters of rich
merchant, and had just made their entire into
the world.
81 Think said Susie BirdIong, the elder Of
the two, that Jane Dixon, to whom we were
introduced at Mrs. Myers yesterday, can't be
much. Did you notice her dressl Her gloves
fitted her hand well enough, but she has,
dare say, worn them dozen times before. and
her bonnet looked as though old Madame Noah
might have worn it into the Ark. She had but
little to say, noticed, and consider that proof
positive that she can't talk, for when people
can talk, they generally do. At any rate,
don't like the looks Of her bonnet; and | mean
Her sister smiled an approving smile, and
then the two proceeded to dissect the charac-
ter of others.
But let US turn to Miss Dixon, the young
lady who had drawn upon herself censure, by
daring TO wear an antique article Of dress.-
She sat- upon the same morning in which
We have introduced the Misses Birdlong to the
readers notice, in a parlor equally we'll fur
nished-equaliy cheerful, and in her hands,
70 roll ii.
fashioned bonnet, which might have belong ed
to Mrs. Noah. She was turning it around,
and contemplating the appearance of its faded
ribbons. Every now and then, as a wilder
blast swept by, she however raised her head
with an anxious expression upon her face to
listen. Once she laid down tho bonnet and
went to the window to look out.
sit is bitter day." she said to herself,
mentally. 81 wonder how that poor Irish
family, the McCarlies, will get along? think
that must go over and see after them. Let
me think If | can manage to wear my old
bonnet another winter, can afford to buy
wood for them, and by curtsiling some other
expenses, | could send thvse two Oldest child
rem to school. Once educated they could aid
in the education of the younger members of
the family. AS it is, all are growing up in
idleness and mischief. l think must try to do
this. But that old bonnet does look shabby.
Ell can repair III, Dy TetfimDIDg II, until II
will look neat, and why need care if il does
not look fine Those who know and love me,
will not care what kind of bonnet wear
those who do not know me, certainly need not
concern themselves about my dress. Il think
that l shall manage to wear it," So saying
she went back to the seat-took up the un-
conscious object Of the soliloquy, and after
re-trimming it, went out to look after the Nc
Carries.
In the Irishman's hovel she was received
with clamorous demonstrations Of joy. Her
face became as radiant with good humor and
benevolence as an angels. She bought the
wood and entered the children's names at
school.
On her way home she met Susie Birdlong,
acc ompanied by several fashionable acquain-
tances, not one of whom chose to recognize
her. Had she been fashioaably dressed, the
result would have been different.
Was she gamer or loser by wearing that
old bonnet Her own happy heart, as she
mounted the steps of her fathers mansion, and
took it carefully off. whispered "a gSiner."-
The angels, those bright inteligences, who,
bending from the Mount Of God, keep watch
over the actions of men, and shout 10 each
other for Joy when they see mortas bearing
one aaother's burdens" and fulfilling the
claw of love-" shouted in one united chorus,
then, we fancy, "a gainer;" but Susie Bird
long, and several individuals belonging TO her
highly aristocIatc circles, thought otherwise.
Madison Family Tstfer.