The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1855-03-17
4 Gkettl).
THE RIGHT STRIPE.
A E'alC OF village Gossip.

was summcring in tie pretty little coun-
try town of -, in western New York.
Myself and friends had chosen for our boar'-
ing place, not one of the noisy hotels, of
which there wero three of the ''irsl class "
besides several lesser tavcrns and several still
lesser grog- shops-thc town being quito a
drinking placc-not any of these, but the
flaming new cdifcc. standing just opposite
the Presbyterian Westinghouse.
A flaming sign occupying half the front of
the house proclaiming this new odifce to be
par excellence, "The Temperance House"
Mr.. and Mrs. Ranney and daughter oc-
cupied private parlor and chambers Oh the
second story front Mr. Ranney was "mcr
chant" selling all sorts of wares from an
ox-yoke to penny whistlc--from fashion,
able dress pattern to a yard of tape. Airs.
Ranncy had broken up housekeeping be-
cansc as she said her family was so small
that it was much more economical to board,
besides it gave her SO much more time. She
did not read, never saw a book in her hand,
and her back was so weak that it was quite
impossible for her to do much sewing; her
sole occupation therefore seemed to he that
of making great noise about keeping the
ten commandments and breaking the clcv-
cnth. She was the chief power of all the
''anxious meetings" prayer meetings and re-
| vivals in the village. She out-riyallcd the
good parson and all the deacons put together
| in her zeal to see that all the church men,
bors and those who were 'hopelul' neglect
cd no part of their religious duties. So look
ing so sedulousy after others affairs, she
! therefore had no timo to keep house or to sec
after her own family even if she had felt in
clintd.
Mrs. Ranncy also affected the a,hion, knew
| how often every member Of the congregation
changed their bonnet, was duly shocked if
any Of the poorer members went to church
better clad than herself, and hesitated not to
insinuate against the sincerity of such one.
As music was fashionable she bought
fourth-hand piano, that had been made some
thirty years before, for mere sorg, and
made a bargain with Mr.. Strlngheim, the
leader of the choir and organist in the EpIs-
copal church-thc only church in the village
that could boast of an organ-to conc and
! give her Ann Jane lessons in the divine art
of stunning doletul harmony on the crack
cd instrument of torture alluded to-instru-
mcnt of torture to me, for my room was adj
joining hers and was compelled to listen to
the mournful cadenccs of Yankee Doodle and
Hail Columbia until the tears would actually
start into my eyes.
We had many other boarders some very
indifferent and some very pleasant people.
Among the latter was young G. an artist,
and poet. A young man with deep mystical
eyes, that put you in mind of the wild, beau
tiful things you had ever heard or read of.
A chaisc drove up to the door one day.
Mrs. Ranncy was at her window as matter
Of course She saw at enc glance, from the
manner in which the gentleman in the chaise
helped out his companion-a beautiful,
bright-harcd soft.cycd young girl Of sixteen
or seventeen years, as Mrs. Ranncy herself
afterwards dcclarcd--that all was not right
with the two. At the time, however, she
wisely forcbore her comments; and the young
girl and middlc-agcd gentlemen entered the
parlor, asking for the landlord.
The middlc-aged gentleman was Mr.. Sta
plcleld, and the young girl was his ncicc.
lie wished to engage board fer her, that she
might 90 to school for another year, the
Academy in that village being an unusually
excellent one.
Minnie Starlcfeld was q fresh, buoyant
| child Of nature, thinking and knowing no
harm in herself, and not on the lookout for
harm in others. Confiding and artless, and
possessed of a rare loneliness Of person and
grace of mind, she was just one to inspire in
the heart of the susceptible artist feeling of
admiration, that with time and opportunity
must deepen into love.
Minnie went to school and proved to he
one of tho best and most attentive Of scholars,
and the whole school We're enthusiastic in her
praise; though / could perceive that Ann
Jane Ranney, and some one or two Others
were oYerilowing with envy and laYished
praises upon The more favored Minnie to hide
their own malignant Jealousy OF her exceed
ms beauty. - ...,.
Minnie was an orphan, and also without
brother or sister. Her uncle, who seemed
much devoted to her, called frequently upon
her and often took her out for drive in his
'bugsy.' lie seemed TO love to sit for hours
beside her, chaltingw'ith her and listening 10
her gay, sparkling rcpartee
One day stage, in passing suddenly around
the corner upset l.fo!c cur ioot. Ono Of