Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1856-09-17
CHOICE LITERATURE.
The two Sisters and the two Unoles.
BY MRS. CAROLINE LEE HENTz

c-------~-~-O------------ --y~.0~,O-0~~----yo.0Jc
The two Sisters and the two Uncles.
BY MRS. CAROLINE LEE HENTZ.
CONTINUED FROM OUR LAST.
You are said to resemble me-" said
Aunt Phillis, drawing up her neck with
self-compacent air; " l heard Mr.. Banks
say there was a striking resemblance"
"Now, aunt, you know he never said
any such thing" replied Elmira, deeply
mortified he said there was family re-
semblance, and that was all. How can you
say, aunt, look like you There isn't
feature in our faces alike--and then you
look so much older -
Elmra forgot her fear of her aunt, in
her wounded vanity, or she would never
have dared to breathe the hint that she
thought her older than herself, or less hand
some
"Really, Miss" cried Aunt Phillis, Civ
ing the fender a push against the fireplace
as she spoke it's great insult to be said
to resemble me, is itP am not so old or
so ugly, as to be ashamed to look in the
glass with any one. Really these bread
and butter Misses think any body, who has
arrived at years of discretion, is as old as
Methuseah, and ugly too, forsooth. Well,
the world has got to a strange pass, when lit
tie girls not only think themselves wiser
and better, but younger and handsomer
than any body else.'
She took up the candle with'a jerk, gave
the fender another push, and walked out of
the apartment in highly acidJfed state of
feeling.
Look like her, indeed p said EImira,
examining herself critically in the looking
glasa.k g tha al friaeAt 1aEs-si,.ss55s a.s4Stl
bcen dug out of the ruins of Herculaneum,
for all the youth and beauty she possesses
Who ever heard Of such ridiculous Vani
tyr :.
vanity equally ridiculous, which reigned IL
her own breast, and caused dislike to he
aunt. for the resemblance which she ha'
pointed out, which all her injustice to lie
liza. and colduess and incivility to her uncle
had failed to inspire. Alas poor huma
nature.
The next morning, Mr.. Banks and b
son breakfasted in their own apartmen
and almost all the servants in the hous
hold were put in requisition, to satisfy h
capricious desires. :,
Mr. Clements and Charles took the
seats at the breakfast-table, but the pail
eomplcxion of the former indicated that
refreshing slumbers had repaired his entt
bled frame. AS Mr.. Manners observ
the delicacy Of his appearance, his slig
appetite, and that he was repeatedly oh
ged to put down'his coffee, to suppress
rising cough, his conscience upbraid
him for his pusllaminous conduct, aud
image of his wife, once tcnderly lov'
seemed to raise before him, in the pers
of her neglected brother. There was
gravity, too, on the fine brow ofhis-nephe
Charles, which he construed into sil'
rebuke. Then Leila looked sad, and
was ashamed to meet her usually low
glance. His sister appeared in one of
sour moods, and Elmira somewhat sull
Altogether he had a very uncomtorta
breakfast, and though he was glad wher
was over, he did not feel better satisi
with himself when seated with the sa
group at the frcside.
The entrance Of Mr.. Banks and his
son created great sensation. Aunt r
lis sprang to arrange his cushions, ;
made every one move from their places
give him the Lest seat by the fire, and
most luxurious chair. He presented
most imposing spectacle in his morn
costume, wrapped in wadded robe
chambre Of silver gray, lined with scar
n turban of yellow silk, white fur mo
sins. and gloves of similar materials.
nodded familiar to all, as he sank down
~ his cushions in true oriental st
v;nked at Miss Philis, chucked Leila
der the chin, and slapped Charles on
shoulder, whose gravity gave place to
sunpre ssed mirth at his uncle extraor
III hone you rested we'll last night"
Miss Phillis " that you found your
comfortable" r.
g. Rested like a king" replied he /; "W
as toast chilled at first by damp she
soon cot over it; all right at last.
are YOU. brother look rather pale. :
we'll, hcy?"
Clements; "I have a difficulty OF Or
inc. which often compcls me to walk
ring the night. feared | should dis
the household by so doing"
ooh, uncle r exclaimed Leila,
were you obliged to do 50 last night
"I did nat mean to distress you
child" said he taking her hand u 7
0but | walked my room the greater p
the night, and as / know it must D
pleasant to those who may be ccnnt
me and as Ipreceive it'Snot conye
o remain longer, / am sorry to say
ave you this evening"