Eastern times., 1854-10-05
GBe Storp GelIer ,
From Arthur's Home Gazette.
PEOPLE In OUR NEIGH
BORHOOD.
BY NOBODY.

created in Thornton, by TWO Simultaneous
events-the arrival of young lady and par
rot, both duly consigned 10 Miss Thomson
by her mercantile brother, who sent his daugh-
ter Lisa as a visitor, and the bird as a very
suitable present for single lady.
Both arrivals were cordially welcomed by
our leader of fashion, who was pleased at the
addition to her parties and consequence, made
by the pretty and accomplished girl, and de-
lighted with the acquisition of a real African
parrot, whose gray and red plumage she con-
sidered infinitely preferable to the green
feathers of the common bird.
Its fancful cage was hung in her parlor by
day, and her chamber at night; but, for some
time, Miss Polly was very shy and unsOcial-
impenetrable even to the fair Lisa S caresses,
and so obstnately dumb that Miss Thompson
had serious thoughts of calling in doctor to
see if it were tongue-tied. But, one night,
during thunder storm, she was shocked by
the sudden vociferations Of the bird, who gave
vent with great JUNCTION to sundry such SEN
tences as the following All hands aloft and
How's her head now I. etc., intermingled
with running volley of oaths and expressions
which SO deeply wounded the lady's delicacy,
that sleep fled from her pillow even after the
storm of rain and the tempest of words had
ceased.
At the breakfast table, after recounting,
xuith oroat indirnation tho incidents ne the
night, she asked her niece how her brother
could think Of sending her such vulgar pet.
Lisa said it had been brought to her father by
the captain of one of his vessels, that had just
arrived, and its good manners, she supposed,
had been corrupted by the evil communications
of the sailors; but, of course, now it had the
advantage Of refined society, it would soon
improve in good breeding-at which her aunt
graciously smiled and recovered her temper
In fact, having once found its tongue, the
bird never after held its peace but, forgetting
its marine vocabulary, acquired not only Lisa's
coaxing expressions and Miss Thomson's elab-
orate speeches, but also picked up, in con-
traband way, some less improving teachings OF
Master Johnny, who, in spite Of all repulses,
would often intrude his graceless presence on
the ladies.
When lis mistress thought it sufficiently
civilized to be exhibited, she despatched note
to her neighbor, Mr.. Bliss, requesting him to
call and see a remarkable parrot she had just
received as present, at which the gentleman
who was at that moment intently examining,
through microscope, hdeous spider, which,
with other interesting monstrosties, had been
sent him from the West Indies, pished and
pshawed, and wished the silly fool would let
him have some peace i while he reluctantly
DOTTED wrapper and slippers, and put himself
in visiting array.
Miss Thomson, who was alone, received him |
with excessive politeness and, showing him
her treasure, Immediately began expatiatng
on its merits, to which eulogy Mr.. Bliss lis
tened with contempt he made no effort to
conceal.
why, ma am said he, do you call this a
curiosity? fully expected to see a specimen
of the beautiful Indian variety, called Guaca-
mayos, which so delighted Columbus when he
landed on Guadaloupe. dare say you re-
member the description of their plumage-
blue, green, scarlet and white. This is moth
ing but the common gray parrot, well enough,
no doubt, to amuse ladies, but Of no value
whatever in the eyes Of connosseur.
Really, sir, you are very candid, said the
indignant lady but, thank goodness I am
satisfied with my parrot, even though it has
the misfortune not to please you. AS / con-
fine my attention to the higher pursuits of lit
erature, cannot say that ever read anything
about Columbus, though, of course, know he
discovered America, and, believe, settled in
Mexico but, though he was doubtless we'll
meaning man, you will not be surprised,
knowing my antecedents, if confess prefer
ence of General Washington, whom / must
ever reverence as the partner of my deceased
grandmama, fact, believe, have mentioned
to you
Indeed, ma am, you have lost no opportu-
nifty of doing so, and as | am not likely to for
get it, don't trouble yourself to refer to it in
future. All this, however, has nothing to do
with the parrot, which, as | told you, is
common enough specimen. 1t can talk, sup
pose, for | never knew parrot or woman that
couldn't
Talk dear creature indeed it can, and
so prettily! 1t is such refined bird, too no
vulgarity about (which | fatter myself is
entirely owing to my care, as / allow no one
to instruct 1t but myself. Here, Polly, dar-
ling pretty Poll Say some of your sweet
est things for Mr.. Bliss
The parrot, who, during Miss Thomson's
toilette, had been favored with Master Johnny's
society, rolled up its eyes, firted its wings,
and answered, incontinently-
Go to grass =
Miss Thomson's horror was extreme, while
Mr.. Bliss was afflicted with sudden desire
to laugh, which he stifed in a very respecta-
BILE cough.
Oh Polly who taught you such dreadful
language was the lady's despairing apos-
trophe to the impolite parrot.
General Washington-General Washing
tom