The Planters' banner. [volume] (Franklin, Attakapas Co., Lou.) 1849-1872, 1852-11-27

tonishment. Her next performance,
however, was quite an innocent little
piece of old maidism; it was merely to
place a pitcher Of water and a tumbler
by her side of the bed, TO be ready for
an emergency.
Horri6ed at what I had seen, Tfairly
trembled when Cousin Mercy climbed
into the couch; and retreating, as she
advanced, | shrank off to TIE farther
side. The bed, unfortunately. was in
the middle Of the room; and not being
protected by barricade of wall, | slid
entirely out of it, and, to Cousin Mer-
cy's great annoyance, fell upon the
floor. She decided that I was too trou-
blesome q bedfellow; and having been
banished from her apartment, which
seemed to me almost like Blue Boards
blue chamber, | was kindly picked up
by Aunt Starr, who always took COM
passion upon stragglers. | found this
q very pleasant exchange-except that
the old lady had a hibit Of snoring.
which often kept me awake; aud then
/ pondered upon the curious metamor-
phosis that had witnessed in Cousin
Mercy.
"Brother Brittlesn was an innocent,
unworldly-minded minister, of the Bap-
tist denomination; who was dlstin-
guished by the peculiarity of red
Gotten umbrella. Winter and summer
this sanguiuary-looking article kept
company with Brother Brittles J" in
stormy weather it sheltered him from
rain and snow-on pleasant days it kept
off the sun-and when not on active
duty he was shouldered like a musket.
and anwered the purpose of flag
warning. Far off the red symbol gave
notice of his approach; and prevented
any futterings that might have arisen
from his unexpected appearance.
had seen him at church, and passed
him in our walks; butI had never yet
been actually face to face with him
My first acquaintance with Brother
Brittles" was on this wise:
At Aunt Starts / always heard a
great deal about "going to bed with
lambs " and "rising with larks;;" and |
was there persuaded that bread and
milk was the only supper that could be
partaken of with any degree of inno-
cence. Sometimes, to be sure, | did
suspect Aunt Starr and Cousin Mercy
of taking something little more hearty
after had retired to bed; and once
glided down and caught them in the
very act; but upon the whole, was
pretty credulous and could, without
much trouble, be persuaded that black
was white.
Aunt STAIRS farm was rather retired,
and saw very few visitors; therefore,
| disliked to miss any that did come
not much caring how my object was ac-
complished. | had retired, one eve-
ming, in larnb-like fashion but not feel
ing very sleepily inclined, l kept my
ears wide open to listen to any unusual
signs below.
Before a great while I distinctly
heard the front door open and shut, and
a mans step in the hail. An actual
visitor, and | in bed! The sound of
voices was absolutely CALLING: and
without troubling myself about the
consequences, glided down stairs in
my night-dress, and placed myself
close beside the parlor door.
This happened to be open; and as
the weather was very warm, it was
only lighted by the swinging hall lamp.
It was not my intention to listen-f
only wished to see; but that being de-
MED me, my attention was soon wholly
engrossed by some very unwelcome
companions Shoals of swapping bugs
had flown in through the open doors
and windows, attracted by the light,
and these were now buzzing about my
ears in manner that was anything but
agreeable.
Two or three of the largest and black
est fairly settled themselves on my
white drapery; and startled out of all
prudence, sent forth a shrek that
drew Aunt Starr, Brother Brittles,"
and Cousin Mercy to the scene of ac-
ton. The good-natured clergyman
took the little, trembling, white-robed
figure in his arms, and brushed off the
bugs; while the others overwhelmed
me with questions. " Brother Brittles /"
seemed resolved to believe that I had
been walking in my sleep; but Cousin
Mercy smilingly shook her head. She
did not wish to contradict the visitor;
but she looked very incredulous, not
withstanding.
That evening was one of unalloyed
enjoyment. Poor "Brother Brittles "
Naturally good.natured, and doubtless
supposing that he was thus establishing
himself in the good graces Of his Ia
dye-love,D he placed me on his lap,
where | sat enthroned like a little
queen, and received his homage with
Infinite zest. From what | can remem-
Der Of Cousin Mercy's manner on that
particular evening, ! have good reason
for supposing thattshe wished me back
again in my nest; but l was too busy
in repeating long poems to Brother
Briitles y to heed her mods and becks.o
Misery loves company; and with all
the suffsrings, aboth of body and mind"
attendant upon the acquisition of that
knowledge, still fresh in my remem-
brance, I impaired to Brother Bris-
tlesn all my stores Of geography, phi
losophy, and history. | was deep in
sthe siege of Troy when the clock
r.r,,cF ten and nntich To NV digmav