South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1857-04-10
A RAINY EVENING.

sat on ono 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. 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 l love rainy evening" said little
Ann, looking up from her book, and meet
ing ber mothers smiling glance. ut is SO
nice to sit by good fire, and hear the
rain pattering against the windows. Only
pity the poor people who have no house
to cover them, to keep off the rain and the
cold"
"And love rainy evening, too" cried
George, n boy about twelve. II can stu
dy so much better My thoughts stay Mt
home, and don't keep rambling out after
the bright moon and stars. My heart
feels warmer, and ally believe I love
everybody better " . 10 when the wca-
tbcr is fnir" -!
Uncle Ned SNIP 4, and gave the boy an
approving pat on the shoulder. Every
one smiled but the young lady, who, with
lauguid, discontcnted air, now played
with pair of scissors, now turned over the
leaves of a book, then, with an ill-suppress-
ed yawn, leaned idly on her elbow, and
looked into the fire.
"And what do you think Of a rainy O.
vcning. Elizabeth ?" asked Uncle Ned. II
should like to hear your opinion also"
II think it ever dull and uniuteresting.
indeed" answered she. II always feel SO
stupid, I can hardly keep myself awake
One cannot 60 abroad. or hope to see COM
pany at home. and one gets SO tired of see.
ing the same faces all the time. I cannot
imagine what George and Ann see to ad-
mirc so much in disagreeable rainy even
ing like this"
Suppose I tell you story, to enliyen
you 2" said Uncle Ned.
"Oh yes. father. please tell us a story !"
exclaimed the children. simultaneously.
Little Ann was perched upon his knee,
as if 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 riretcd upon his
unclc's face.
Il am going to tell you a story about a
rainy evening" said Uncle Ned
"Oh that will be so pretty ~ cried Ann,
clapping her hands. But Elizabeth's
countcnancc fell below zero 1t was an omi
nous annunciation.
"Yes," continued Uncle Ned, 80 rainy
evening. But though clouds darker than
those which now mantle the sky were low
eriug abroad. and the rain fell heavier and
faster, the rainbow of my life was drawn
most beautifully on those dark clouds. and
its fair colors still shine most lovely on the
sight. 1t is no longer, however. the bow
of promise, but the realization of my fond
est dreams"
George saw his uncle cast an expressive
glance towards the handsome matron in
the opposite corner, whose color percepti-
bly, heightened, and he could not forbear
exclaining:
"Ah! Aunt Mary is blushing. under
stand uncle's metaphor. She is his rain
bow, and he thinks life one long rainy day"
"Not exactly so mean your last con-
clusion. But don't interrupt me, my boy,
and you shall hear lesson, which, young
as you arc, trust you will never forget.
When | was young man, l was thought
quito handsome"
"Pa is us pretty as he can be now" in
terrupted little Ann, passing her hand
fondly over his manly check.
Uncle Ned was not displeased with the
compliment, for he pressed her closer to
him. while he continued:
well, when was young, I was of cav
spirit, and great favorite in society. The
young ladies liked me for partner in the
dance, at the chess board. or the evening
walk, d had reason TO think several of them
would have made no objection to take me
as partner for life. Amongall my young
acquaintance, there was no one whose
companionship was so pleasing as that of
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 I have fiu-
ishcd ny story. Mary was a sweet and
lovely girl, with current of cheorfulncss
running through her disposition that made
music as it flowed. It was an uudercur-
rent, however, always gentle, and kept
within its legitimate channel, never over
flowing into boisterous mirth or unmcan
ing levity. She was the only daughter Of
her mother, and she widow. Mrs. Carl
ton-such was her mothers name-was in
lowly circumstances, and Mary had none
Of the appliances of wealth aud fashion to
decorate her person, or gild her home. A
very modest competency was all her por-
tion, and she wished for nothing more.
havo seen her, in simple white dress,
without single ornament, unless it was a
natural rose, transcend all the gaudy bellies
who sought, by the attraction of dress, to
win the admiration Of the multitude. But,
alas for poor human nature. One Of
these dasbiug bellies so fascinated my at
tentiop, that the gentle Mary was for a
while forgotten. Theresa Vane was, in
deed, rare piece of mortal mechanism. -
Her 6gmo was the perfection Of beauty,
aud she moved as if strung upon wires, 50
elastic and springiug were her gestures. -
1 n