Daily national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1854, 1854-08-03
LITERARY MISCELLANY.
For the National Era.
n 0 LII Wv 0 0 D

BY ALICE CAREY.

ceptod ut once the invitation. Then she had
her own interests in view-she desired to ccn-
suit Mr.. Richards as TO the best mode OF in
vesting her five hundred dollars, for she seemed
to regard the judgment Of my father as iDfe-
rior to that Of most other men. We were soon
ready; ! wore the new pink dress with black
ribbon, some buds Of the sweet-brier in my
hair, and for once was quito well satisfied with
my toilet.
Doke wound himself about Martha like a
vine, as she was about TO depart and in o loud
whisper enjoined her to bring home her pocket
handkerchief full Of good stuff, for that 1t she
failed, he would lick all the cream off the milk
basins.
The walk was delightful; the young dande-
lions were bright along the grass, which was
softly green, and the tinkling Of the runs along
the hollows made sleepy music for the home
ward flying Of the birds and the bees. Mar
tina conversed with indiscriminate volubility
greatly to my modification, for could not but
feel that Mr. Richards was rather amused than
entertained She would not have found 30
much to say in q month at home, as she said
during that short walk home was no place
for the exercise of her charming talents. II
was not worth while to try to make the old
house like other peoples houses.
Something Of the old embarrassment re-
turned to me, when found myself the guest Of
Mr.. Richards The simple but elegant fur
nishing of the parlor had the effect to discon-
cert me, and ali Mr. Richards's polite efforts to
entertain me were dead failures. was unac-
customed to the requirements Of gentle breed
ing, and, having little of the rustic independ-
ence common TO my class, was alike untitled
for the station in which was born, and for .
higher ono. i tried to seem happy, for saw
our host exerting all his powers to give me
pleasure, and while felt myself ungratsful, |
could with difficulty subdue the bitterness of
the dissatisfied spirit within. / did not once
reflect that had my part to act, that SO much
kindness deserved some return; that it was
wrong to sit dumb like an idiot, expecting the
attention Of princess, and yet scorning the
homage demanded.
All me it was hard to deal justly with me
ignorant and proud, rustic and refined, ambi-
tious and humble, anxious TO please, yet
ashamed to make one effort to do so.
Miss Pinchum was most cordial, doing the
duties Of hostess with much ease and grace
she was delighted that Mrs. Halstead had
deigned to accept their hospitality. Our un-
sociability had been matter of regret to Mr..
Richards and herself-she hoped we should be
good neighbors In future. She was delighted
that her friend had brought the little girl; and
she patted my cheek, salpg she hoped was
good, and minded my mother. Then, putting
her handkerchief to her eyes, she said, g If our
playmate for you; but as it is, | am afraid our
house will provo duh place, though MIR.
Richards is fond of children, as you seen
Maasy sakesIn exclaimed the widow, if
that amt the beatenest thing ever sec-pre-
tending like as if you thought Molly was lit
tie gal-why, she hiss been old enough TO be
married this three year. She knows as much
as you or me- and she is right down good COM
pany on any subject l thanked MR.. WIKI
inson for her compliments, but assured her
that was certainly child in knowledge; at
which she shook her head, saying she didn't
believe Q word of it. She then inquired If |
could make bread and butter, IL could work
a button hole, and do nice sueing-asserting
that il was ignorant in any respect pertain
ing to household accomplishments, she was the
woman TO teach me-she was old enough to
have derived the advantages of experience, and
not 90 old rs 10 have experienced any diminu-
tion of any faculty. W
In short, she set forth al her domestic vir-
tues without any stint Of their excellence.
Miss Pinchum, during this selflauding Of
object Of her thoughts, to ASCERTAIN in what
manner he was affected but, finding him quite
unmoved shs resumed her half suspended com
placency, declaring that she really must have
been very stupid 70 suppose mo 80 young and
she appealed 70 Mr.. Richards to know IL he
didn't think her stupid 10 which he replied
briefly in the affirmative.
Nov, did you ever ~ exclaimed Miss Pinch.
nm; and she added, shaking her finger play
fully, Naughty man, TO plague me SOP
2 Are you weathcr-wise, Mrs. Halstead y
exclaimed Mr.. Richards, looking from the
window, and affecting obliviousness TO the ten
der appeal Of Miss Pinchnm dit seems TO me
the clouds wear threatening aspectD
Martha shivcred, and said the air did feel q
little like rain, and the widow took occasion TO
move her chair near the window where Mr.
Richards sat
MiB Pinchum grew nervous she thought
We had better, all Of Us, come nearer the FIRE,
which had been kindled as the evening came
on. But the object Of her special regard was
perfectly comfortable and inapprchensive 30
were We AL, though |, 10 oblige Miss Pinchum,
joined her ~ the FIRE.
= DO all como and form q circle you don't
seem sooiable,p persisted Miss Pinchnm
pray allow Ms to consult our pleasure re-
piled Mr. Richards.
Miss Pinchum joined the group at the win
dow, and placing her hand against the sash,
and looking fcndly at the gentleman, said:
aYou know how liable you are TO take cold,
and yet disregard my entreaties y and, as she
spoks she held up her apron between the
faces Of the widow and our host under pre-
tcncc Of screening him from the wind
Presently, . butterfly, having red wings,
spotted with black, balanced Itself on wand
Of the rose-bush at the window, and, with an
exclsmation Of delight Mr.. Richards raised
the saeh, and broke of the slender stem on
which 10 rested.
20, Mr. Richards, what Is IT'D cried Miss
Pinchum, holding up both hands aWhat is
its little bird ~
"No, madam; its butterfly replied the
person intsrroeatsd, without raising his eyes to
the lady.