Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-04-01
MISCELL A n Y .
From Maape's Nagasine.

n
A pleasant little group was gathered round
Uncle Ned's domestic hearth. lie sat on one
side of the Fireplace, opposite Aunt Mary, who,
with her book in hand, watched the children
seated at the table, some reading, others sewing,
all occupied but one, q child "of larger growth,
Young lady, who, being guest of the family,
was suffered to indulge in the pleasure OF idle
ness without reproof
| "Oh! love q rainy evening"" said little Ann,
looking up from her book, and meeting her moth
er's smiling glance. ut is so nice to sit by q
good fire, and hear the rain pattering against
the windows. Only pity the poor people who
| have no house to cover them, to keep OF the
rain and the cold"
"And | love rainy evening" too" cried
George boy about twelve. II can study so
much better. My thoughts stay at home, and
don't keep rambling out after the bright moon
and stars. My heart feels warmer, and really
believe love everybody better than | do when
the weather is fair"
Uncle Ned smiled, and gave the boy an ap-
proving pat on the shoulder Every ono smiled
but the young lady, who, with languid, dis
contented air,now played with pair of scissors,
now turned over the leaves of book, then, with
an ill.suppreSsed yawn, leaned idly ON her ell
bow, and looked into the fire.
And what do you think of rainy evening,
Elizabeth" asked Uncle Ned. 81 should like to
hear your opinion Also
81 think it ever dull and uninteresting, in
deed" answered she. II always feel so stupid,
| can hardly keep myself awake. One cannot
90 abroad, or hope to see company at home and
one gets 50 tired of seeing the same faces all the
time. cannot imagine what George and Ann
see to admire so much in q disagreeab.e rainy
evening like this" =.
"Supposing | tell you story,to enliven youa'
said Uncle Ned.
"Oh yes. father please tell us a story!" ex'
claimed the children, simultaneously.
Little Ann was perched upon his knee, as il
by magic, and even Elizabeth moved her chair
as if excited to some degree of interest. George
still held his book in his hand, but his bright
eyes, sparkling with unusual animation, were
riveted upon his uncle's face.
II am going to tell you story about a rainy
evening"" said Uncle Ned.
"Oh that will be 50 pretty!n cried Ann, clap.
ping her hands. But Elzabeth's countenance
! fell below zero. 1t was an ominous annuncia-
ton.
"Yes," continued Uncle Ned "a rainy even
ing But though clouds darker than those which
now mantle the sky were lowering abroad, and
|
nv life was drawn most beautifully on those
dark clouds, aud its fair colors still shine most
lovely on the sight. 1t is no longer, however,
the bow of promise, but the realization of my
fondest dreams"
George saw his uncle cast an expressive glance
towards the handsome matron in the opposite
corner, whose color perceptiby heightened, and
he could not torbear exclaiming:-
I WAht Annt Mary i blushinp | understand
uncle's metaphor. She is his rainbow, and he
thinks life one long rainy day"
Not exactly so: mean, your last conclusion.
But don't interrupt me, my boy, and you shall
hear O lesson, which, young as you are, trust
you will never forget. When | was young
man, | was thought quite handsome"
"Pa is as pretty as he can be now, interrupt
ed little Ann, passing her hand fondly over his
manly cheek.
Uncle Ned was not displeased with the COM
pliment, for he pressed her closer to him, while
he cOntiued =
"Well, when was young, | was of gay
spirit, aud great tavorite in society. The young
ladies liked me for q partner III the dance, at the
cbess-board or the evening walk,and had rea-
son TO think several of them would have made
no objection to take me as partner for hfe-
Among all my young acquantances, there was
no one whose companionship was SO pleasing as
that of a maiden whose name was Mary Now,
there are great many Marys in the world, so
you must not take it for granted | mean your
mother or aunt. AT any rate, you must not
look so significant till have finished my story.
Mary was a sweet and lovely girl, with cur
rent of cheerfulness running through her dispos
tion that made music as it flowed. 1t was an
undercurrent, however, always gentle, and kept
within its legitimate channel, never overiiowing
into boisterouS mirth or unmeaning evity. She
was the only daughter Of her mother, and she
Il widow. Mrs Carlton-such was her mothers