Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1857-01-17
fiji scellanecus.
For the Bugle.
7 H e SISTERS.
A TALE OF THE SUNNY SOUTH.
BY MRS. cELEsTfA II. COLBY.

hdry anu Ann were SlSlers' Lucy E'S" ~
the same sunny bone, surrounded by the holy IN
fuences and guided by the pious counse's oil tne
same gentle and afectiona,e mother ana YET u"
youth their character and disposition were very
different, and the difference was of such n kinu as
promised to grow with their growth, ana strength
en- with their strength, until it became not IN reah'
ty Second nature" but nature itself. Such is tue
growth of habit. which silently, and sometimes
unobserved, fills up the warp of life with threads
of n peculiar hue, and gives to the whole charac'
ter a bias and coloring, quite unlike the original
texture.
Ann, the eldest, was proud and aris'ocratic IN
her disposition, and regarded those beneath her III
wealth or station, as beings Of an inferior oruer'
created for the special benefit of the upper c'ass'
to toll and labor ms long as strength would permit
that they, the favored ones, might live in idIenesS
and luxury. She was TALL and graceful IN person.
but there was n half scOrnful expression IN her
large blue eye, that gave an untavorable impress
sion of the soul to which they were an index. -
Wealth and station were the golden keys which
alone gave admittance to her heart and entitled
their possessor to her frieudship-if indeed SO un
worthy n sentiment may he permitted to bear the
sacred name of a noble virtue, to which 1t has IN
reality no resemblance.
Mary was several years younger than her state
ly sister, and the reverse Of her in every respects;
yet a warm attachment existed between them, not
outstanding this diversity of character. She
was not handsome, but n nobler heart never beat
in a maiden's breast, and her large, hazel eyes
were expressive of gcntleness and good humor.
"None knew her but to love her,
Or named her but to praise"
She was a general favorite in the neishborhood
in which she resided, among both old and young
rich and poor. She had a cheerful smile and a
kind word for every one; but for the poor she ha'
more, a ready hand and open purse, and many
poor widow and grateful orphan shared in thu
fruits of her self denial. Her frequent visits t
the humble cottage of the poor and lonely. some
times drew upon her the playful reproaches OF he
aristocratic sister, yet she had found by experience
that it is more blessed to give than to receives;
and she needed not her sisters raillery,as her hear
thrilled with pure delight, when she beheld TIL
grateful joy Of those whom her timely aid had re
lieved in the hour Of pressing want. Kindness u
those beneath her in station was as natural 10 he
as perfume to flowers; and she never for a mo
ment assumed the naughty air OF command, ever
to the humblest child, which seemed the natura
manner of her proud and beautiful sister. Accus
toned from infancy to receive the attention ct ser
wants, whose duty it was to obey her sllghtes
wish, she was yet ~unspoiled by indulgence, AM
every service was requested as a favor, rather thai
demanded as q right: and a kind word Of acknowl
e~dgement and an affectionate smile were the sur
reward Of the most trihing service. Her leisur
hours were often devoted to the mental and mora
s,. ap,a "a ~ A. Zoo r,uoh raulnptpl pln Sc Who's
only source of livelihood is to minister to the wan
and caprices of those whose wealth and inclinatiV
rem der them allie to live without labor, and wt
depend upor Others for those trifing services whic
a truly independent mind would lead them to pc
form for themselves. Mary's gentle manner, al
kindness Of heart rendered this service less II
some, and at times truly pleasant to those who
hearts pinned for the music Of kind words, and I
sunshine of lovirg smiles, and the ?Ticele's boz
was repaid with interest. Not only vas h
slightest wish obeyed, but every desire was ante
pated by the r eady perception OF her assistaf
which was stimulated by a grateful affection al
earnest desire to crafty II person so wiling to a
sist Others. Her room was kept in perfect ord
by the careful hands Of little Lucy, who had be'
rescued from the inebriates' hut and taught L
simple arts of industry 10y her kind mistress; WI
in addition to these useful branches had impart'
TO her apt and ready pupil, many OF the orname
tai accomplishments, which few in her station ev
receive. The proud and naughty Ann, often ri
culed her gentle sister for the careful training s
bestowed upon her lavorite protege, ard sometin
diverted her idle moments by teasing the sensiti
child who shrunk from her approach as the dc
cate mimosa recuils from the rude breeze, or ca
--l l. L. -A-t1n hanH
Mary as the sunfuwer to the sun, and felt ler
ture expanding beneath her genial influence,
the flowers unfold their gay petals to the life Z
ing beams Of summer. She studied her eve
look. anticipated every wish, and read the varyi
shades Of thought and feeling ere they found ut
ance in words, end gave the silent need of sym
thy which few can understand or know how to
preciate. Fog Der she culled the choicest fowe
and arran ged them with exquisite taste and SIX
or read her favorite authors, giving the poets SId
ing thoughts an original charm from the musl
intonations of her sivery voice, and with her
wandered among the fair romantic dells VIII
surrounded the home Of her benefactress
friend.
This pleasant rural cottage was on the bank
the beautiful river, whose crystal current TO
the DOunuafy ilhe between tue PIlsoh v "
slavery" and free aud prosperous Ohio. situ'
in a lovely nook, on the favored side, where
broad river makes a sudden curve; thus surrou
ing them on three sides with its mirror-like t
while on the back ground rose lofty hills, cove
with flowers and evergreens, dotted here and Il
with simple white cottages and elegant mansi'
the happy homes of the free and Industrious
EenG. On the opposite side Of the river were
splendid mansions Of the wealthy planters. '
their verdant la Uns. rich blossoms, and fragl
vines, while in gloomy contrast were scattered
humble, neglected cabins Of the poor slaves.
customed from childhood to sport upon tho p,
waters Of the beautiful stream, Anu and heI
ter felt at home upon its peaceful bosom, ar
their tinny boat, "the Swan" they glided as g
fully down she tids, and as fearless of dangt
that bird in its native element.