Indiana American. [volume] (Brookville, Ind.) 1833-1861, 1857-04-24
Valley FARMER.
A RAINY KYFNING

hearth. He 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, . child, "of larger growth"
Q young lady, who being q gest Of the
family was suffered to indulge in the
pleasure Of idleness without reproof.
aAhl I love rainy evening" said
little Ann, looking up from her book,
and meeting her mothers smiling
glance, cit is 90 nice to sit by good
IRE and hear the rain pattering
against the windows. Only / pity
the poor people who have no house to
cover them, and to keep on the rain
and the cold"
"And / love . rainy evening, too"
cried George, boy Of about twelve.
u can study 90 much better. Ny
thoughts stay at home, and don't keep
rambling out after the bright moon
and stars. Ny heart feels warmer,
and ! really believe / love everybody
better than do when the weather Is
fair"
Uncle Ned smiled, and gave the
boy an approving pat on the shout
der. Every one emiled but the young
lady, who with . languid, discomfort
ed air, now played with pair of
scissors, now turned over the leaves
Of book, then with an ill-suppress-
ed yawn, leaned idly on her elbow,
and looked into the fire.
"And what do you think Of the
rainy evening, Elizabeth asked
Uncle Ned. Il should like to hear
your opinion as well as the rest"
l think It over dull and uninter-
esting, indeed" answered she. 81
always feel so stupid, can hardly
keep myself awake-one cannot 90
abroad, or hope to see company at
home; and one gets so tired Of seeing
the same faces all the time. cannot
imagine what George and Ann see To
admire 80 much in a rainy, Disagree
able evening like this"
"Supposing tell you story to
enliven you, said Uncle Ned.
"Ohl yes, father, please tell rs
story" exclaimed both ofthe children,
simultaneously.
Little Ann was perched upon his
knee as II by magic, and even Eliza
beth moved her chair, as IL excited to
some degree of interest. George still
held his book in his hand, but his
bright eyes, sparkling with unusual
animation, were rivited upon his un-
cle's face.
81 am going to tell you . story
about a rainy evening"" said Uncle
Ned.
"Ohl that will be so pretty" cried
Ann, clappidg her hands; but Eliza
beth's countenance fell below Zero
1t was an ominious annunciation.
EYES," continued Uncle Ned, "a
rainy evening. But though clouds
darker than those which now mantle
the sky were lowering abroad, and
the rain fell heavier and faster, the
rainbow Of my life was drawn most
beautifully on those dark clouds, and
It's fair colors still shine most lovely
on the sight. 1t is no longer, how
ever, the bow Of promise, but the re-
alisation Of my fondest dreams"
George saw that his uncle cast an
expressive glance towards the hand
some matron in the opposite corner,
whose color perceptibly heightened,
and he could not forbear exclaim-
ing
Ali Aunt Nary is blushing. I
understand uncle's metaphor. Size is
his rainbow, and he thinks life one
very long rainy day"
"Not exactly so. Imean your last
conclusion. But don't interrupt me,
my boy, and you shall hear lesson,
which, young as you are, / trust you
will never forget. When was a
young man was thought quite hand
some"
"Pa is rs pretty rs he can be, now"
interrupted little Ann, passing her
hand fondly over his cheek.
Uncle Ned was not dispIeased with
the compliment, for he pressed her
closer 10 him, while he continued
"Well, when was young / was of
gay spirit, and o great favorite in So
ciety. The young ladies liked me for
spartner IN the dance, at the chess
board, or the evening walk, and ! had
reason to think several of them
would have made no objection to take
me as q partner for life. Among all
my young acquaintance, there was
no one whose companionship was so
pleasing Is that Of maiden whose
name was Mary. Now there are q
great many Marys in the world, so
you must not take 1t for granted /
mean your mother or aunt. At any
rate, you must not look 80 significant
till I have finished my story.
Mary was sweet and lovely girl
with q current Of cheerfulness run
ming through her disposition that
made music as 1t flowed. 1t was an
under current, however, always gen.
tie, and kept within its legitimate
channel never overlooking into bois-
ferrous mirth, or unmeaning levity.-
She was the only daughter of her
mother, and she uidop. Mrs. Carl
ton, such was her mothers name, was
in lowly circumstances, and Mary had
some Of the appliances of wealth and
fashion to decorate her person, or gid
her home A very modest competen-
cy was all her portion, and she wish
ed for nothing more. Ihave seen her
in simple white dress, without a
single ornament, unless il was a nat
ural rose, transcend all the gaudy
bellies, who sought by the attractions
of dress to win the admiration of the
multitude. But, alas for poor hu-
man nature. One Of these darling
bellies so fascinated my attention, that
the gentle Mary was for while for
potfen. Theresa Vane was, indeed. a