Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1852-06-24

and kitchen AS Mrs. Maulins finished sip
ping little of the water and handed the glass
to Belinda, she discovered the few drops which
had been spilled. -'
90 dear, how. came those grease spots on
the foor!' .l..l.. ..'.,
8 1t is nothing but a little water, acciden-
tally spilled, said Belinda.
Do You think don't know!' said Mrs.
Maulins sharply. go and get some soap and
sand, and some clean water, and scour the
spots up aaa sa
Il am very certain that it is nothing but a
few drops of water Mrs. Emery ventured to
say.
well, she shall scour it, il il isn't. II
will learn her to be more careful for the fu-
iure. Don't be afraid of laying out a little
strength she said TO Belinda, as she COM
menccd scru5bng the floor with soap and
sand.
The patience of Mr.. Chesford was by this
time fairly exhausted, and alighling from his
chaise, he tied his horse to the gate post, and
! raped at the door. BeIndas hands not be-
ing in. a fit state TO open it, Mrs. Emery rose
and opened it herself. The farmer thrust
his sunburnt, though pleasant looking face
inside the door, apd then stepped in upon the
mat that was lying in the entry, but Gid not
venture to place his thick shoes on the white
floor. r. .... .'t--.,
'Come Linda said he, 'ain't you about
ready? My vile aud the girls counted on
having you and your mother, and certain
peison-no matter abont calling names,
here he gave Belinda wink TO -ruke tea
along with them this afternoon, but if we
don't start soon Ii will be dark before we get
home.' -.. I'D -.... --.t t- ...
Il shall be ready in one minute said Be-
linda. with cheerfuness of voice and man.
ner which Mrs. Nautilus, skiful as she was
IN the art of annoyance, had not been able to
destroy. Belinda bad such bright pros
pect before her that she could bear good
! deal. She soon finished, aud minute af-
forwards appeared equipped for her journey.
She followed Mr.. Chesiord out very quickly,
and as she stepped from the door though,
Mrs. Maulins said, 9 l am certain that you
have neglected something she was careful
not 10 seem as if she heard her. -
'Wha; am to do, 10 person can tell, said
Mrs. Maulins, when she sa W Belinda fairly
seated in the chaise. As Mrs. Emery lis
tened 10 her complains and regarded her
naturally handsome face, which looked pre-.
maturely old, from being marred with the
wrinkles of fretin and peevish disposition,
which were as numerous and quite as deep
as fourscore years would plant on cheerful
brow. he could not help thinking how much
more truly noble, and digni6ed, and worthy
respect, was the servant with her patient,
forbearing spirit, than the fractious, fault
finding mistress.
Mrs. MauIins went on uttering complaints,
and appeared so distressed and helpless, that
at last, Mrs. Mmery asked her if there was
nothirg she could do for her.
No. she replied family, i can get along
somehow, l suppose
Yes, mother, guess we can, said Harriet
Maulins, bright-eyed, laughing girl of four
teen, who had returned from school, and en-
enquiry. Iguess We can, for Linda was up
by daybreak, and besides roasting some beef,
baked lots of bread, and pies and CAKE
And who is going to get breakfast in sea-
son for your father to go TO the store, aud you
and the rest of the children TO go TO schoolr
j am. / made the coffee this morning, and
don't you remember how father praised it =
told him after breakfast that | made it, and
he said if would rise early enough every
morning, to take lessons of Linda in cooking,
might begin next week to take lessons in
drawing ........
Cooking and drawing are very compatible,
to be sure,' said her mother.
While Mrs. Maulns was tasking her in
ventive powers TO make herself unhappy, Be
linda and Mr.. Chesford were proceeding on
their journey with all the celebrity consistent
with the staid and sober habits of Silvermane,
the sleek and well-fed animal attached to the
old fashioned chaise. Sometimes in the paus-
es of conversation, his master gave jerk al
the reins, which he would politely recognize
| by quickening his gait for some ten or dozen
PAGES. when he would quietly relapse into the
slow, heavy trot, which long habit had made
equally convenient and agreeable.
As for Belinda, though she longed to be al
home, the way did not seem tedious to her,
Never before, had the trees which shaded the
wayside, looked so cool and beautiful, and
never had the wild songs of the birds revelling
amid their branches, sounded SO sweet and joy.
Gus; and when about two o'clock, in the shell.
terng shade of a primeval oak, her mothers
humble dwelling appeared in sight, the joy
swelling in her heart, gushed from her eyes
in bright and happy tears.
How peaceful looked the old brown house
with The moss growing on its roof, and the
morning glores creeping up round the win
dows. How fresh the green of the grassy
slope, down which wound the well-beaten path
that led to the brook. And then the we'll with
its picturesque sweep and pole, and surround.
ed with velvet sward, spangled with COLDER
dandelions and butter-cups-how suggestive
was it of the sparkling waters, SO grateful te
the thirsty lip. t> rtl -N