Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1857-05-21
Gboite Mlisteuar1p.
MRS. APPLETON'S MAID.
BY KATE N. 81.

better than she did, I'D like to see her. Sh
would make one laugh for hours in spite o
ones notion of propriety and good sense.
Now, Aine was not handsome, heithe
was she downright; homely. Her dark haze
eyes were brimful of mischief; and mischief
the ssucy fellow, could not be content witt
filling her eyes, but must needs 60 lurking
around one of the sweetest little mouth
that ever was made
Well, this same Aline was blessed witt
a bachelor uncle who resided for many year
beneath her fsIheris hospitable- roof, ant
who, after suffering many years with inf1am
matory rhematism, died just one year from
the time my story opens, leaving Aline, hi
pet, the bulk o: his property, (which consist
ed of upwards of ten thousand dollars.
Aline was an only child; therefore nc
Ipains were spared to lavish on her all thai
fond hearts and wealth could bestow. She
had cousin, a Mrs. Appleton, living a,
some distance, whom she had never visited
since her marriage, but longed to see. After
much teazing and coaxing, her parents were
at length prevailed upon to part with theil
darling, for at least a whole fortnight, to
make the long-promised visit. Mrs. Apple.
toms husband owned a large farm; and all
farmers wives, or most of them, have to live
in large, uncomfortable, inconvenient, old
fashioned houses that Eve herself would be
ashamed OF nowadays. But there are ex-
ceptions to all rules; and this was one Of
them. Mr.. Appleton was obliged to build
for there was nothing inhabitable on the
farm when he purchased it. This pleased
Mrs. Appleton; for. hen he had farming in
view, she contemplated nothing better than
spending the remainder of her days in an
old worm-eaten house.
When the Birds Nest was built, she had
her say quite remarkable, wasn't itD; SO,
of course, the house was built in modern
style, neat and comfortable, amidst large
clump Of evergreen, beech, and maple trees.
and was christened the Birds Nest, or Rob-
ins' Retreat, receiving its appellation from
herds of robins that annually nested among
the trees and about the premises.
The long anticipated journey was per-
formed mostly by railroad. When within
ten uiles of her cousins home, she was met
at the depot by Mr. Appleton with his beau
tiiui ponies and carriage. Never did Alne
enjoy ride better. The freshness around,
the beautiful wheat and rye fields just head
ed, the glad, happy birds making the air
ring with their melodies, and the socisble,
good-natured Mr.. Appleton made the time
slip away so pleasantly that she could hard
" believe, as they drew up in front of the
Retreat, that she had ridden ten miles
Aline had received faint whisPerings from
Mrs. Appleten's pen of the beauties which
surrounded them, but never had they seemed
SO real as now. "I'm so delighted! poor
word" thought Aline, as she answered Mrs.
Appleton's query of, "And how do you like
the Birds Nest, Alnel"
Her first week danced by merily, Aline
fitting here and there, finding new beauties
even in the pouluy-ya ard, which she had al
ways detested until now.
"What am to do" said Mrs. Appleton,
coming into the parlor, looking perplexed
and out of humor, interrupting Aline, who
had just settled herself for a good hours
practice on the piano.
"Why, what is it! How should know!"
"Sure enough, eli! Listen, and III tell
you."
Gall attention, please, ma'am," said
Aline, opening her mouth-a way she had
of listening when Mrs. Appleton felt out of
humor.
"Weli, Robert received letter from his
uncle, Mr.. Jarvis, from Boston, stating, if it
would be convenient, he would be up to the
Retreat, on Thursday next, with his family
and friend of theirs, Mr.. Richard Elgin, to
spend few weeks. Oh, dear! what shall
do! Robert has tried far and near, with
out success, to hire girl to sweep, dust tie
roums. and take care of the children. have
all possibly can do 10 look after the cook
and dining room girls. And oh mel" said
Mrs. Appleton, obviously, Robert expects
six hands, this week, to work on the new
barn; besides, we have got to boarG Mr..
Shaw, the man that attends the saw-mill,
for he says it is too far to 90 home after his
meals, and be back IN season to tend the
concern as he denominates the mill. This
number, added 10 The rest OF my family,
makes fifteen, and"
"And how many guests do you expect."
interrupted Aline, sotening somewhat to-
wards Mrs. Appleton's i'll humor.
"Mr and Mrs. Jarvis, t~ daughters, and
FRIEND" answered Mrs. Appleton.
"a goodlv number for the next few weeks
-twenty-o -one, including your humble SER
vant," said Aline, with mock solemn ity.-
I'm to write to pa and ma this evening,
and will request them to probing my visit;
and then-and then I'll personate the girl
you are so much in need Off
"You!" said Mrs. Appleton, shocked be-
yonu measure. 81 cannot hear 10 any such
arrangement"
81 Insist upon it. Twill be good sport" )"
said Aline.
The alI-event!ul day arrived. Will and
little EN- hung on the roadside gate peering
down The road, waiting impstiently for the
long looked-for carriage that would contain
the expected guests.
isis, if we had fathers telescope, we
could make them out sooner. do believe
they are coming. You run into the library,
and get il, while watch"
And Will was right. Sure enough, the
carriage came rolling along at a fine rate;
and there stood Master w i'll on tiptoe, tel
escope in hand, looking with all his might.
"Isn't that comical sightl" said voice
from the carriage, as it drew Up to the gate.
Then such peal OF laughter burst upon the
clear morning air as Mrs. Appleton made
her appearance on the veranda to welcome
her guests.
| Ahne was up stairs peeping between the
muslin curtains that covered her bedroom
window. "They are rather sty lish, thought
she.
"lsn't this nice place to visit, maj!
suggested Laura, as they were making pre-
partitions to retire for the night.
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