The Belmont chronicle, and farmers, mechanics and manufacturers advocate. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1848-1855, 1854-02-24

n bewilderel ustonshmeht of Garry and Jane
d the agitation Of poor little Mary; and tn
lsympathy Of our benevolent Martha, with tn
i. extreme delight Of her husband, whose heart
). portals, once expanded, seemed in no DANCE
f of ever closing again,--all formed seen
h never 70 befofgotten by the parties concerned
"BVt where is Mr. FairIeghi" asked tn,
bride, when they had time to think OF AM
one out of the immediate family circle.
/ Isabella started and then pretended not e
, listen for the reply; which, however, sht
heard distinctly.
lie begged me TO present his kindest re
, CARDS, and said that unavoidable busines,
, prevented him from accepting your invitation
to dinner, but that he would be with yor
shortly afterwards.''
Martha loUked towards Isabella, and their
eyes met. There was an archness in the
glance of the bride that made the latter
blush, in spite of herself; but she thought
my new mamma is no witch, after all: what
can she knowr 81, when the huge original
made his appearance, just as the dessert was
set upon the table-=for what with the
youngsters, who were lost in establishment at
the handsome srt-out and the zest with which
their elders enjoyed the occasion, the dinner
lasted to quite on unusual period--,he only
thing observable in Isabela's manner was a
kind of friendly empressement, which complet-
ed her beauty, BY adding to It animation.
| 1t was now getting dark, and as soon as q
movement had been effected into the drawing
room. Martha and Isabella spoke low togeth-
er, and the latter left the room for several
minutes.
"What can this mystery be between Mrs.
Sellers ard lsabella" whispered Jane to
| Caroline, as they sat apart employed in the
amiable occupation Of quis:ing the guests
"The little boudoir has been kept locked all
! day. tried to get in when they were there
! this morning, but Isabella came TO the door,
and tod me should know all about it this
evening. Look! Mrs Sellers has taken the
key from her pocket, and now Isabella is go-
! ing in with u light. She was too quick for
US to see anything through the door, though !"
! In about the space of ten minutes Isabella
returned, leaving the mysterious portal open
behind her. Mr.. Sellers gave his arm to
Mrs. Tom, who ncrvously accepted the honor
and desired the rest to follow. All, impell-
| Gu ny IlHiNSuluNtiI ubu 'iC
little apartment was speedily filled to over
flowing. Their eyes turned in surprise to
the Centre Of the boudor; for there, beneath
a canopy of holly and missletoe, stood fine
J Chrlstmas-:ree.
"How beautiul!' exclaimed some Of the
company! "Thdt IS it!' ~Tnat dOeo IL
mean !'. asked others, who had never heard Of
this beautiful and pleasing German custom.
The little children danced and clapDed their
hands; the twins held out their arms and
crowed; and the servants, who had been or
dered to assemble in the drawing-room, crowd
ed round the door, to see what was going
forward.
! "This is n Christmas tree" said Mr.. Sell
! lers, "lir,t invented by our neighbors the
Germans. The proper time forits exhibition
is Cnrstmas-eve, but we took the liberty Of
postponing it to this day, to celebrate the
happy occasion of welcoming back much
loved daughter and her esteemed husband; d
of renewing our acquaintance with many
kind friends, too long neglected. And now
Mrs. Sellers will perform her part of the
evenings solemnities."
For the benefit Of those Of our readers who
are not acquainted with the beautiful descrip-
tions of the Christmas-tree in Mary Howit:'s
and other modern works and tranSlatons, we
will just say, that the one in question was
young fir tree, placed in large tub gaily
painted Tor the occasion. Its branches were
hung with tiny tapers, cut paper, oranges,
apples, lunches Of raisns, figs, Jonbons, and
other snowy and delectable triles, besides
more solid ornaments, in the shape of pretty
aud suitable presents for the children, young
pc pl', and servants.
/ "lslbella," said Mr.. Sellers, as the dis
tribution Of the presents began. But Isabella
was not forthcoming.
IL saw her, a moment ago." said Jane,
stalking to Mr.. Fdirlegh, under the lamp"
I Sand here she is STILL" said honest Andrew
bravely handing Isabella out OF the corner
which had attracted the couple to its snug
rece S. Here she is, ready to dance Sir
Roger de Coveriy, or anything else that may
be required ol her."
"On! dance by all means," vociferated
John M'Farianec--"a dance under the mise
toe. | can cut figure in that dance myself"
and the little man hoped about on one leg,
until every one was glad to get out oil his
way.
"Be sober, man." said Mr.. Sellers. "My
bride has meerschaum for yeu, which she
p, begs you to accept for her sweet sake"
! "And doll Tor me!"--"And drum for
me-" a
"Hush, children" said buxom Mrs. Tom.
i Just then, dull, dead tramp, as OF number
of people marching up the carrlage-driVe'
sounded from the garden outside.
"Oh, sir" said one of the servants, coming
brenthlessly from the window, where she had
been looking out, "such number OF people
} on the lawnl 1t can't be the Chartists, sure ;
"Marlha," said MIR. Sellers, "postpone the
, proceedings a moment. l will 90 and see
! what it means"
1 A few moments Of suspense ensued' ant
/ some of the ladies and children began to looi
A half frightened. Mrs. Tom pressed cioSe'
TO her husband, and Mary fastened across tn
d room to Henry's side.
d alt is only" said SIR. Sellers. returning
r "a parcel OF people who fancy that my l''ti
Is Martha here has done them good service TIN