The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1857-03-14
A RAINY EVENING.
From Sharpe's Magazine.

/ Uncle Ned domestic hearth. tie sat on one
side of the fire place, opposite Aunt Mary
who, with her book in hand, watched the
children seated at the table, some reading
others sewing, all occupied but one, a child
''of larger growth" young lady, who, being
a guest of the family. was suffered to indulge
IN the pleasure of ldleness without reproof
"Oh love a rainy evening"" said little
Ann. hooking up from her book. and meeting
her mothers smiling glance. ut is so nice
, to sit by good fire. and hear the rain pat.
terlng against the windows. Only pity the
poor people who have no house to cover them
to keep off the rain and the coId'
"And love a rainy evening. too" cried
George, boy about twelve. IL can study
so much better. My thons shts stay at home
and don't keep rambling out after the bright
moon and stars. Nv heart feels warmer, and
| really believe | love every body better than
do when the weather is fair
| Uncle Ned smiled. and gave the bow an an.
proving pat on the shoulder. Every ore
smiled but the young lady. who. with Ian.
Sud. discontented air. now played with =
pair of scissors, now turned over the leaves Of
book, then. with an Unsurpassed yawn
leaned idly on her elbow, and looked into the
! fire.
"And what do you think of a rainy evening
Efizabeth:" asked Uncle Ned 81 should
like to hear your opinion also"
IL think it ever dull and uninteres:inc
indeed, answered she. IL always feel SC
stupid. can hardly keep myself awake One
cannot 20 abroad. or hope to see company at
home, and one gets so tired of seeing the same
faces all the time. cannot imagine wha,
George and Ann see to admire so much in a
dl>agresabe rainy evcnin. like this"
'Snppos'ng tell you a story, to enlivcn
you - Sald Uncle Ned.
! ''Oh yes, father, please tell us story ~
exclaimed the children. simultaneously
! Little Ann was percheh upon his knee. as
If by magic, and even Elizabeth moved her
char. as If excited to some degree of interest.
George. still his book in his hand. but his
bright eyes,sparkIing with unusual animation,
were riveted upon his uncle's face
Il am going to tell you a story abou, rainy
evening" sad Uncle Ned
| "Oh that will be so pretty !" cried Ann
! clappng her hands. But Eiizabeth's counte-
nance fell below zero. 1t was an omnous an
nuncation.
Yes" continued Uncle Ned "a rainy
evening But though clouds darker than
those which now mantle the skv were lower
ing abroad. and the rain fell heavier and
tt>er, the rainbow of nv life was drawn most
beautifully On those dark clouds, and its fair
coors still shine most lovely on the sight -
1t is no lcnger. however the bow of promise,
but the realization of MY fonde.t dreams"
George Saw his uncle cast an expressive
glance towards the handsome matron in the
opposite corner. whose color percrptiblv
heightened, and he could not iorbear exclaim
"Ah Aunt Mary is bIushing. 1 under
stand uncle's metaphor. She is his rainbow
and he thinks life one long rainy day"
NOT exactly so: mean. your last concu-
sion. But don't interrupt me, my boy, and
YOU shall hear lesson, which. Young as you
are. trust YOU will never forget When
was youn. man, was thought quite hand
some"
I" Pa is as pretty as he can be now" inter
rupted little Ann passing her hand tondy
over his manly cheek.
Uncle Ned was not di>pleased with the COM
pliment, for he pressed her closer to him,
while he continued -
"Wel when was Young. | was of CAV
spirit, and great iavortc in soretv The
Young ladies liked me for a partner in the
dance, at the chess board, or evening walk.
and ! had reason to think several of them
would have made no objection to take me as
partner for lite. Among all my young ac-
n AI INF
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 til
! have finished my story. Mary was sweet
and lovely girl, with current of cheerful
ness Running through her disposition that
made mnSlc as it flowed. 1t was an UNDER
current. however, always gentle, and kept
within Its legitimate channel. never overflow
ing INTO boi>t"rous mirth or unmeanins ievlty.
She was the only daughter of her mother and
she widow. Mrs. Carlion-such was her
mothers name-was in lowly circumstances
and Mary had none of the appliances of
wealth and fashion to decorate her person, or
glid her home. A very modest competency
was all her portion, and she wished for nothing
more. l have seen her, in simple white
dress, without single ornament, unless it was
natural rose, transcend all the gaudy bellies
who sought, toy the attraction of dress, to win
the admiration of the multitude But, alas
ior poor human nature. One of these dash
ing beles so fascinated my attention, that the
gentle Mary was for while forgotten.-I
Theresa Nane was, indeed, rare piece of
mechanism. Her figure was the perfection
OF beauty, and she moved as if strung upon
wires, so elastic and springing we're her ges-
lures. never saw such lnstrOus bair-it was
perfectly black, and shone like FURNISHED
steel - and then such rinsIets. how thev
waved and rlppled down her beautiful neck!
She dressed with the most exquisite taste, deli
cacy, and neatneSS, and whatever she wore
assumed peculiar grace and fitness, as if
Art loved to adorn what Nature had made so
fa'r. But what charmed me most was the
sunshlny smile that was always waiting to
light up her countenarce. To be sure, she
sometimes laughed little too loud; but then I
her laugh Was SO musical, and her teeth so
WHITE. 1t was impossible to believe her guilty
OF rudeness or want of grace. Often when | /
saw her IN the social circle, so brilliant and .
smiling, the life and charm of every thing a.
round her, thought how happy the constant
companionship of such being would make
me what brightness she would impart to the
flreslde OF home-what light, what iov, to the
dark est scenes Of existence p
"Oh uncle" interrupted George. laughing
IF were Aunt Mary, would not let YOU
praise any other lady SO warmly You are .
20 taken up with her beauty, YOU have for
gotten all about the rainy evening"
Aunt Mary smiled, but it is more than pro. {
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