The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1852-09-08

pretending costume was Iully as DecomDg
to her as the silks and satins she had all
her life sported. At least if we mayjudge
by the eloquent and admiring looks which
were lavished upon her by all the village
swains. She soon turned their heads, and
one and all bowed at her shrine. The
bellies regarded her with jealous eyes-she
was looked upon as formidable rival
but they could not long resist her attractive
manners; with her il was "veni, vidi, vici;"
with the old and young ones it was the
same; she made herself a great favorite.
To be sure, the minister's wife pronounced
her "hoydenish," and the deaoon's wife
said she was a "sad romp, who she feared
would do nobody any good" Lizzie call
ed upon both these good ladies, asked the
minister's wife TO teach her to knit, and
listened patiently to long account from
the deacon's wife, about the best way Of
growing herbs. and after this, these excel
lent danes viewed her with more compla-
cency, and were heard TO remark that she
had "kind o'come round them"
One day, quite startling placard was
posted about the village, announcing in
imposing characters, that Mr.. Augustus
Sumner, Professor Of Music, would open
Singing School in Stanton. on the next
Saturday evening. This was great event
and much curiosity was felt among the
villagers as to who this Augustus Sumner
could possibly be. On the afternoon in
question about the time of the arrival OF the
stage coach, the inhabitants were all to be
seen at their windows. Even Miss Hen
derson partook Of the general excitement,
and the bright face OF the school mistress
might be distinguished peepng through the
lattice. At last the distant rumbling Of the
vehicle was heard. The stage drew near.
All eyes we're strained to catch glimpse
of the new conner, but he had baffied their
curiosity by closely drawing the curtain.
The coach rolled up to the hotel, the steps
were let down, and gentleman alighted,
but so muffied that no information could
be gathered respecting his appearance
His cap was far over his face, and cloak
that he wore. although it was summer. ef-
fectually concealed his figure. But all in
the vicinity agreed that he was tall and
slim, and from the agility exhibited in
springing up the hotel steps, undoubtedly
young. n
In the evening there was full and
punctual attendance in the singing school.
The beaux and bellies were there en- mass.
As the moment drew near for commencing,
there was general hush, of expectation.
At length the door opened, and Mr.. Au-.
gustus Sumner, divested of hat and cloak,
walked into the room. All mystery was
now solved concerning his appearance.
He was as previously decided, tall, slender
and young. lie came forward and bowed
most gracefully to the assembled company
before him. He scanned their features;
rapidly his eyes glanced from one bloom
ing face to another, and rested moment
on the animated countenance Of Lizzie
Leslie. He passed his hands over his
large dark eyes, as if dazzled by the COM
bination of charms before him; he tossed
back the chestnut mass from his brow, and
in most musical voice expressed his
pleasure in meeting so many of the inhabi-
tants Of Stanton, and his hopes oftheir mu-
scal improvement. under his instruction.
He then launched into the business of the
evening. His voice in singing was rich
and powerful; one so highly cultivated had
never before been heard in Stanton, and
the pupils sang with an energy that made
the walls resound.
Lizzie excelled in music, and was
most accomplished singer, but managed
to suppress her fine voice, so that it could
not be distinguished above the others, but
once warmed up with the inspiration Of the
moment, she forgot herself and poured
forth a.few notes Of the most delicious
sweetness and finish. Those around her
stared in establishment, and Mr.. Sumner
looked about to discover from whom this
sweet sound emanaied. Lizzie WAS care
full not to commit herself again, hefyoice
was pianissimo for the remainder of the
evening, and the circumstance was soon
forgotten. Nine o'clock arrived, and the
scholars left for their respective homes.
The girls were all delighted with their new
teacher, who looked most admiringly after
Lizzie as she passed out, and enviously at
the young lawyer, Able Sampson, Esq, on
whose arm she was so comfortably leaning.
1t was strange how popular the singing
school was that season. Even those with
the most inAexible voices attended with
the greatest regularity, and perseverance,
can make good singers. Stanton ought to
have contained more musicians than any
town for many miles around. ,. =,
Afewdays after, one pleasant afternoon,
Lizzie having dismissed her school, wan
dered into a grove near by, a favorite re-,
sort others, to enjoy the irsshing coolness
Of the shady retrent. She was seated in a
beautiful romantic spot. by the side of a
running brook, when who should appear
before her but no less parsonage than
Mr.. Augustus Sumner, the singing master,
his fine face flushed with the exercise, car
u l..