The Ohio star. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1830-1854, 1853-12-21

as possible. Where will you find one between
fifteen and twenty who has any serious regard for
the improvement and best welfare Of those with
whom she is connected at all. or that modifes her
conduct in the least with reference to it. Now
cousin, in very serious earnest, you have about as
much real character as much earnest and depth of
feeling, and as much good sense, when you
get at it, as any young lady of them all, and yet,
on your conscience, you say that you live with
any sort of reference to anybodys good-or to
anything but your own present amusement and
qualification 2
what shocking adjuration,' replied the lady,
prefaced, too, with three story compliment!
Well. being so aajured. must think to the best Of
my ability. And now, seriously and soberly. l
don't see as 1 am selfish. 1 do all that have any
occasion to do for anybody. You know we have
servants to do everything that is necessary about
the house. SO that there is occasion for my
making any display of house-wifery excellence
land I wait on mamma if she has had a head
ACHE and hand papa his slippers and newspaper.
and find uncle Johns spectncles for him twenty
times day-no matter that-and then
But after all what is the object and purpose of
your life T.
Why-I haven't any. I don't see how can
have any-that is, as am made. Now you know
I've noneof the fussng. baby-tending, herb tea
making recommendations of aunt Sally. and divers
others of the class commonly called useful In
Decd to tell the truth. think useful persons are
commonly rather fnssy and stupid. They are
just like the boneset, and hoarhound, and catnip.
very necessary TO be raised in garden, but not in
the least ornsmenial.'
'And you charming young ladies' who philoso-
phize in kid slippers and French dresses, are the
tulips and roses-very chal ming and delightful and
sweet, but fit for nothing tn but paror orna
ments.'
WELL parlor ornaments are good in their way
said the young lady, coloring and looking little
vexed.
SO you give up the point, then, that it is all
you girls are good for; just to amuse others, look
pretty. and he agreeable p
Well, and if we behave well to our parents
and are amiabIe in tho family don't know-and
yet said Florence signing, l have often bad a
vague idea Of something higher that we might be-
come-yet reay-what more than this is expect
ed of US what more can we do 2
l used to read in oid-fashioned novels about
ladies visiting the sick and the poor.' replied Ed
ward. YOU remember Celebs in search of a
wife?
Yes, truly; that is to say, l remember the
story, part of it, and the love scenes; but for
all these everlasting conversations of DR.. Barlow,
Mr.. Stanley, aud nobody knows who else, l skip
pei those, of course. But really this visiting and
tending the poos and all that, seems very we'll in
a zvbara tho ladv info picf cot-
tage half overgrown with honey suckeIs, and fuds
an emacated, but still beautiful woman, sitting
propped up by pillows. But come to the down.
right ttterof fact of poking about n sl these vile,
dirty alleys, and entering the little dark rooms,
amid troops of grnning children and smelling cod
f,h and onions, and nobody knows what-dear me
my beneyolence always evaporates before l get
through. Id rather pay anybody five dollars
day to do it for than to do it myself. The fact
is, have neither fancy nerve for this kind of
thing!'
= Well granting, then, that you can do nothing
for your fellow creatures unless you are to do it
in the most genteel, comfortable, and picturesque
manner possible, is not there q great field for a
woman like you, Florence, in your influence over
your associates? With your talents for conver-
SatlOO, your tdcL huu pUSSceelou,
gifts of saying anything you choose are you not
responsible in some wise. for the infuerce exert
ed over those by whom you surrounded!' 2
/ never thought of it, replied Florence.
Now. you remember the remarks of MIR.
Fortesque the other evening, on the religious SER
vices at church!'
Yes, / do, and thought that he was too bad
l do not suppose there was one of you ladies in
the room that did not think too, but yet the
matter has all passed over in smiles, and without
a single iDsinuation that he has said anything un-
pleasant or disagreeabls.'
We'll, what could we do! One does not want
to be rude. you know
Do!-could you not, Florence, you who have
always taken the lead in society, and who have
been noted for always being able to say and do
what you please could you not have shown him
that those remarks were uopleasing to you as de-
cidedly as you would have done if they had related
to the character of your father or bro'her! TO
my mind, woman of true moral feeling should
feel herself as much insulted when her religion is
treated with contempt, as # the contempt were
shown to herself. Do you not know the power
which is given to you women to awe and restrain
US in your presence, and to guard the sacredness
of things which you treat as holy? Believe me.
Florence, that Fortesque, infidel as he is, would
reverence a woman with whom he dared not trifls
on sacred SUBJECTS
Florence rose from her seat with heightened
color, her dark eyes frightening through tears.
Il am sure what you say is just, cousin, and
yet have never thought of it before. will
am determined to begin, after this, to live with
some better purpose than have done.'
And let me tell you, Florence, in starting a
new course, in learning to walk, taking the first
step is everything. Now, have first step to
propose to YOU
ell cousin.-.'
We'll you know, suppose, that among your
train of admirers you number Colonel Elliott
Florence smiled
And perhaps you do not know, what is certain