Spirit of the age., 1853-05-11


though exclaimed two or three thoughtless
girls, eager for what they regarded as inno-
cert sport.
Words ran high for few minutes. A few
Of the girls seemed determined to carry out
their Plan, some of them through spirit Of
levity and mischief, and one or two through
envy and malice. Kate Halsey opposed the
proposition with all her might, bat finding
her effort useless, she turned away from the
plotting group, followed by few others.
who had taken no part in the conversation.
As Kate walked away, Jane Carson, one
of the most eager Of the plotters, said,
| am afraid we have done wrong in let
ting Kate Halsey into this secret. She is as
fulfof life aud as fond ofsport as any one
ever saw, but she seems to be as scrupulous
"a parson about the nature Of our amuse-
ments. Is there no daRger of her giving
warningY
'Oh, no. replied Clara, she is as scrapu-
lous about such things too, and would des-
/ pise to inform against rs. But / have no
4 ton we had better take her warning and let
tthe child alone. She is not fit object for
our sport
She IS just the right sort of object re-
turned Jane, for we can mould her to our
wishes, and hold her in check by fear, if there
should be any danger of her turning inform
er. What do YOU say, Miss jameson +? You
seem to know her best. Do you think she
will tell 2
You certainly don't intend to do any
thing openly 2
No, but whatever we do, we must watch
the effects, and prevent her from saying any
thing, lest an examination should be the con
sequence. Can that be done 2 Mary was
silent, but Annie Carson replied,
IF she is vain, and at all susceptible tc
hattery, | have a plan that will fix her, anc
Annie uamed the plan which received the
applause Of all but Clara who said,
But what are we to gain by it? Wha
good can come of it even If we succeed with
out discovery
Oh YOU won't back out now, Clara
. Surely there is no harm in having little ful
J at the child's expense. Well meet at moor
tomorrow in the arbor, and talk it over
Don't forget girls This was said by Jane
As they all started for the house, whittier the
bell was calling them to tea. Clara felt she
would rather back out from an enterprise
which her better judgment did not approve,
but she had encouraged it at first, and she
feared the ridicule of her companions, a.
much perhaps as the fear Of exposure. Sh'
appreciated Laura's nature more Justly thai
, any Of the others, two of whom were new
! scholars. and the remaining two, Mary Jane
Z son aud D.lia Jones, were blinded by env
: and malice, which they felt towards all VIII
: received rewards due to merits they diG &c
' possess.
:, In the rear of the seminary, on the ex
u treme verge Of the incIosure, was spacior
i aud beautiful arboI fitted up with rustic seat
r." for the accommodation of those who sought it
seelusion. With Laura it had been a favo
ite resort in the warm months. when 81
a loved to sit there with her books aud son
i dear companion at her side.
" One fine morning, a few days subsequel
to the conversation just related, Laura W
u seated there with Jane Carson and her 81
; ter Annie. The two latter were pursuir
the advantage which a few days effort hs
Il given them over the affections of the war;
~ hearted child, who, unsuspicious of desig
" met love, or its sembance, with love. Tn,
oS had discovered her deep love Of nature, al
"' her lively imagination would have argu,
S' tavorably for them, could they nave succee
I'd in their efforts to elicit some evidence
CT vanity and deceit.
nc Laura, dear, how do you like Cla
G' Wellsp asked Jane.
~ Il don't know much about her. She ne
er said much to me until lately, but S
a.. u; seems like very clever girl Laura answ
~ ed.
NJ 'She is a charming girl, and thinks We
= highly of you,' said Annie, l have hea
on her say some very fine things in your favc
. she continued. She thinks you the m
IS beautiful, aud the most tasteful dressed
'ss @ tie girl here
" Yes, and she is not the only person W
. thinks So Interrupted Jane, with an ina
Il. uatng smile. There are many more,
- only iu the school, but out of it, | am to
y, who admire our little favorite both for
!. good looks and good qualities.'
Il,s Laura's flushed face expressed pain 6
dispeasure, but ere she could reply, CIs
Il Mary jameson, and Della j ones joined the
dh showing by their excited manners that tt
civ had something important to commune;
too Why, where have you been this morni
the girls (? You look warm and fatigued, {
IA mighty important at the same time. VII
the news 2 This was said by Jane, and {
vas IA answered,
are We obtained leave to take walk,
on our return, we called at the Post Of
ND and Mary has in her possession letter
els Laura, the only one We got. How fortul
She IS here
lies \ letter for me . exclaimed Laura ST
az ing eagerly forward as she saw it held
10" Oh, it must be from mamma
"'e am afraid not said Mary. See, Il
"'n' is no postmark on it. Some one must
10" dropt it in the box
Wy 1t IS very likely from some Of your
l"", >choolmates who are not here this sessi
~ said Della. Laura stood with the uHope
= : - letter in her hand, and look OF bitter
''o.s appointment on her face, her compar
7. - watching her with intense interest. At le
cart She said,
i don't want II. Who could have