The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1856-03-06
Miseellaneovts.
From the Rural New Yorker.
THE OLD MANSION.

in youth whiled away many a 6 ads1me
hour. 1t is lovely spot, because OF
dear associations--lovely Tor Nature has
smiled upon it. For long time the old
mansion has been closed. GrieI cast Il
pail over it. and aIar from its pleasant
haunls wandered. to forget amid the
busy world and its changing scenes, the
dark shadow which stole Ger the path
way of days gone by.
1t is again opened. | have returned
to The old mansion. II has suffered nc
changes. save such as time brings upon
all things. The old gray walls are there
still The low, projecting roof with il'
mossy covering, is still seen through the
trees. The broad chimney, where it
summer the swallow built its nest, is un
changed-nol one brick disturbed. The
vine has mol forgotten 10 Chamber over the
+! low windows, and the willow yet stand,
by the spring upon the hillside. There
is the old sweet tree in the orchard; the
elm and the walnut llOk as majrsllcaIIy
as ever, and even the liacs aud rose
bushts are in their accustomed places bi
the little oaken porch.
It. is now winter. The trees are strip
ped of their foliage, and instead, there II
cold. cherries mantle upon thei
branches. The roof Of the old mansion
is white with snow. and the heavy cave,
are made heavier still. by the long. gath
ering iccIes. There is snowy cover
Ing upon the window stools. and fantastic
figures upon the psnes, while beneal'
the vines. and around the rlacs and rose
by the porch, is a great Sno"'drlll, "her'
the snow-b bird aIiahIs and sings her wlnte
song.
have little ctzy room in the oil
mansion. II is low and narrow, but am
ple in its dimensions, Tor am alone, saw
ia tue society Of my kind, ial htuI houdd
Upon one side is go)dly fireplace
where buns cheerily warm tire. Will
uDon another. halt hidden BY curtains
my bed, in which dream the night
away. My ro, m has but one window
small one Just beneath the caves
where | sit for long, long hours, and 10"
out upon the great bills and at mornln
and evening. watch the play OF The SUI
beams upon the trunks and ami II
brarche, the oak4 aud hem ocks l
one corner il the old family clock, vii
heavy weights and longPenduIum, stan
ingin its antiqIe. oaken ca'e, and regar'
less Of the past, counting the hours
faithfully as ever. There is stroni
oaken table bv the little window, and ne'
the fire stand two ancient arm char
with their grotesque carvings as o'a
the mansion which contains them. |
the chimney. and near the head OF II
bed. is an ample closet, well stored WI
choice works. my only consolation d
ring the long winter evenings
1t i. now eleven o'clock at night.
There is bright lOz' up'n the heart
Brave lies dreaming upon the rug;
old clock ticks loudly in the corner
there is wailing Of the wind wttho
- and linkling Of snow against Tho W
dow panes. | have smoked my last
gar. never smoke but Two OF an ev'
inc; finished the last chapter oil
:, .IIomes,ead Oh the Hillside drawn
chsir near the fire. aud with my feet Vi
10 the fender. sat looking into the cheer
laughing flame. As | sat there, watt
- jng the changing figures upon the gIC
on iny Goals, AMI listening TO the Ia 81
., inc of the winter winds. shadow ms
sibIy stole over my thoughts, and
IN. Past. with its evenlful sCenes--lls IN
vivid pictures. stood bol lily before me
-. Six wears ago-yes, six this rery M
Il had returned from college. sa
nv little library. Ny father was th'
he The snow lay heavily upon the grou
the wind blew cold aud cheerIessy'
NV windows were laden with frost. win
was reigning BaIore the warm fire
mo ga, and conned over the Past the 7
ent and the Future. Oh! the 1881
ro mn, hour. how il was sprinkled o'er'
scenes Of ioy-bright as the sun at h'
H.. Iov The Present was full OF bliss &c
then. for long, wearisome struggle
been rewarded. 1t was upon the + u
that unseen world-'hat existence
ed from mortal eye, that we mostly d'
rbo Nv father had his prcdiIcetions-h'
,or iudiccs and as | loved thut father
,ws. tened to his aindy advice, ond cheer
-. ,ccorded to his wishes. That nigh
49,. left me with his blessing,
ho Morning came--gsy. bright and S
WV 49,. koCo,a | rose the snow \