Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1853-06-22
CbuitR EittratarR.
From Godey's Lady's Book, for July.
CL A R A MANVE R s.;
OR. AUNT pFBoRAHs ADVICE.
BY MARTHA HAINEs BUTTS.

rleQ ana pray, WnaJ Is sue BolHS W uo g
She is a young creature, and knows nothing
of household affairs But children, now-a-
days, will do as they please anyhow. and
their over-anxious parents are afraid to have
them taught anything. AS for my part,
always thonght- Clara was spoiled child
but | can tell her, she will have to be
brought out Of it all some time
Thus soiloquized good Old Aunt Deborah
as she sat knitting pair of stockings, eve
ry now and then placing them in her lap to
think Of the news she had heard. Now
Aunt deborah was as kind and as good
hearted an old soul as ever lived, but she
was one Of those sort Gas all maiden aunts
aye) who thought that, unless one could
make a pudding or pie, she must necessari-
ly be perfect blue stocking She was
not at all in favor Of boarding schools, for
she always thought that girls learned more
nonsense there than anything else. Aunt
Deborah had arrived at quite a good old
age consequently had seen much of the
world. She really thought (as she often
said) that the girls Of the present day we're
the most giddy set she ever knew, for they
thought of nothing else but beaux, forget
ting at the same time that she had been dis
appointed in love, and had found as much
pleasure In the company of the dapper beaux
as any one. just go to the little drawer
which she keeps locked up, and you will
find few letters which she received in her
young days. that will convince you at once
she used to write billet doux Dear good
creature, she has no confidence in them now,
for they are but counterfeits, and every one
she sees the girls reading, she denounces
severely against them.
But we have been saying so much about
Aunt Deborah, that we have almost forgot
ten Clara.
AT the age of ten, she was sent to fash
ionable boarding-schooi to be educated. L.
Now to this Aunt Deborah was strictly op-
posed, but her mother, being a very highly
educated woman, saw the Importance of her
mind being properly cultivated, and we'll
knew that it could never be accomplished
at home. Clara remained there until she
had completed her eighteenth year, and
then returned home She was indeed beau
tifu creature, and withal possessed all those
airs which are peculiar to boarding school
girls. She was ushered into society imme.
diately AFTER her arrival home, anu uecatnt
the belle of the season she was admired
and earessG 10y all. Often she received Q
reProof from Aunt Deborah, who saw thai
she was totally enwrapped with gayety an(
fashion. 1t seems that Clara could never
agree with her aunt on any Que point; con
sequently, when they met, their converse
tion was of very opposite nature.
Aunt Deborah puts on her oldfashione(
black bonnet, and goes around to see Clara
we will just stand behind the curtains few
minutes to hear the conversation. Clar
sits there, playing with her lapdog he
good old aunt looks at her for while in 81
lcnce. But soon the slumbering volcan
bursts, and aunty commences -
Well, Clara, hear you are to be maj
ried soon and now, my child, take the aC
vice Of one who is your senior by a goo
many years. Now put the dog down an
listen to me (the first question Of course
have you learned to make pie yet 2
At this query Clara starts. Now pra
tell me, Aunt Deborah, you think that a
ter get married | am going to turn wast
er-woman, cook, and everything else 2
Well, my child, see all that you thin
about is visiting, chatting, beaux, and {
those sort Of things. Now, what are "
going to do after you get married 1t is,
believe, three months yet before you MARI
80 just set to work and learn to be domest
You have all the accomplishments and
the ornamental education now seek to lea
some of the useful branches for | assu
you that, when you get married, you mi
not only be a parlor companion for yo
husband but his housewife. Now, my chi
/ must 90, for have some stockings to f
ish knitting the winter is coming on, and
must prepare for it. being very rheumat
Good-by, my child attend to my iniur
tions and know you will never regret
doing
Well, well, do wonder what put it
Aunt Deborah's head to come around h
this morning, and give me curtain lectur
said Clara Manvers. 1t is great wonC
she did not ask me who | was going to m
ry but | suppose she knows. | should
be much surprised if she were to lect,
OaTloS, JoO. w WOuueT NOW Nc WOulu "a
it; laugh in his sleeves warrant kn
Aunt Deborah means we'll, but then
judges me too harshly, and besides | ha
plenty Of time to learn
We will pass over the space ofabout til
months during which time many prepa
tions were being made for the wedding.
mong the number invited, Aunt Debor
OF course, was not forgotten.
On receiving the invitation, Aunt Debo
exclaimed, Why, bless my heart, the cl
Is to be married next Thursday let me
it is onlya week off. A short time. indie
and she shook her head. l will 20 arc,
and see if she has taken my advice
wager she has not needed a word
There, now, knew aunt would be |
to-day said Clara, as she heard her III
tread upon the steps. Mary, tell he
come in my room will prepare mysel
a good lecture.
Just as expectedp After the usual gl
ings, Aunt Deborah commenced ques
ing her, but found that her advice had
east upon the desert air.