Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1852-07-14
Tbuitt Iitrraturr.
THE PICNIC.

n THE PICNIC.
And so Emily Saunders is going to
our picnic to-morrow, said Mary How
Ell. with q toss Of the head, as she sat
0ossipping with several of her acquain-
tanees Well, for my part, I've great
mind TO stay away. A school teacher
i no company for me-
Tho next step will be, said one of the
group, that our kitchen girls will be as
sociating with u.s.
i wonder who asked her. enquired
another one.
i don't know replied Mary Howell
brother Frank told me
As she spoke the parlor door opened,
and handsome young man about five
and twenty entered, exclaiming-
What is it that you have to say about
me Good day, ladies. I heard my
name as ] passed through the hall, and
stepped up 10 see what treason you could
be plotting. So many pretty girls can
: not get together without mischief
He laughed as he spoke, and his fair
auditors laughed too for Frank Howell
was a general favorite, being as amiable
and talented as he was good looking.
We were plotting no treason, replied
his sister, but wondering who had invi-
ted Emily Saunders TO the picnic to.
morrow.
1t was friend of mine,' said Frank,
promptly.
'Whop
'Ah, there you must excuse me. AL
l can say is, that like myself, he is one
Of the managers, and has full authority
10 ask who he please. But what obiec
tion TO Miss Saunders
She's nothing but a school l-teacher
retorted his sister contemptuously.
Oh, that's it, is il 2 said Frank anc
there was sarcasm in his tone, as he
( .proceedec, "A school teacher is not re
fined enough fornY fine lady ofa sister
~ too Iglgorant, suppose, and can |. con.
Verse as well az. her companions. It@i:
TOO late, sister nine. to prevent her 90
ing, but | can tell my friend the state O
the case, and, as he is desperately in love
with Miss Saunders, perhaps he won
regret being compelled to monopolize he
for himself. OF course, none Of you,
suppose, will speak TO her.
No, no. said several voices, who's
owners did not care to sink in Frank
opinion, and who saw that he was, il
part, the champion Of Miss Saunders
no, no, that would be rude. We will b.
b civil to her, certainly"
But she will not be welcome,' sal
Frank, looking round the circle, that i
plain to perceive. However, ladies, a
the invitation has been given, | am gla
to see that there is no disposition TO insuI
her. It's rather odd, though, that in thi
republican country, an amiable youn
lady is stunned by her sex because tn
misiortunes of her family have compel
ed her TO teach school for a livelihood
And, with these words, he bowed a
round, and left the room.
His hearers were in consternation.-
Such sentiments they had never befol
heard urged so boldly; and many, wi
couried Franks good opinion, regrette
that they had allowed their antipathy
Miss Saunders to be seen. The conve
sation. accordingly, grew tame; one
one the fair gossips dropped off; and b
fore long, Mary Howell was left alon
II was just after sunrise, on the f
lowing morning, that Emily Saunde
stood before the looking glass, in h
small, yet neat little chamber, completil
her toilet for the picnic. Her dress W
virgin white, and she was placing
her bosom amoss rose bud, the morni
gilt Of her partner for the day, who W
waiting below. A blush was on h
cheek, for it was the first token she b
ever received from the gentleman
question; and the modest girl, who h
never yet acknowledged to herself /
preference she felt for him, was in a
ter OF surprise and pleasure. Her agi
tion compelled her to remain LONGER
fore her glass than she had intend,
but having finally composed her spiri
she tripped lightly down.
All that Frank had said the day bef
IN her favor, was more than borne
by the truth. Her father had once be
merchant, and considered rich. but
dishonesty OF others had ruined b
and soon after he died of a broken he
The mother was not long in following
IN this crisis Emily showed what beI
woman can do. She resolved to supp
by her own exertions, her little brot
and herself; and this, though some CO
- ins, her nearest relations, offered h,