The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1858-12-04
Gclc;t cGtoyn.
BY DORA M'NELLIE.

Gentle and quietly the night folded
its wrings over Il pleasant home in the
Green Mountains where a happy circle
was gathered around blazing fire OF
maple wood. 1t was one Of those old
fashioned homcstcads OF which every one
has bright idea tall trees bent over
il as if to shelter the young hearts that
beat happily under the roof, and peace
fully even as the birds that sang to them
through the long summer days, dwell
the little mountioneers in their secluded
home. Their parents had now been
absent week on visit to friends at
distance, though it was nid-wnter and
the broad evergreen forests were thicEly
covered with snow. they we're not the
people who spend iii pleasure the lovely
season God gives us, for little thought
could they take OF j"urncying for amu}c-
mcnt when the rich fruit and waving
grain was ripencd for them to gather.
1t was the farmers season for fitting
now the harvest moon had LONG since
waned, and left rich stores in barn and
granary. There were stalwart BOYS to
leave at home. who knew right we'll What
care was needful-and the parents had
not feared to leave the little band alone,
without any protection but their own
innocence, and the care Of Him to whom
they trusted.
Trained as they had been, to brave
storm and danger, caring little for either,
tue hardy children had enjoyed the in
dependence OF being left :: to tvke care
Of themselves as James Graham ex-
pressed it, and now they were recounting
all the home duties they had faithfully
performed, for the absent ones were ex-
pccted home that night, and each little
heart beat happily in the consciousness
of having done right.
Well" said James, g l guess father
don't expect to find all the corn husked
when he gets home"
No, nor the old shed boarded so
nicely" said Richard.
"What have you got to tell father,
Annie :" said james to little gentle
creature, who looked like little white
morning glory, with blue eyes
con | shall tell how good we have
all been, and how helped you feed the
lamb every day"
"1ou'll tell him we've been good,
too, won't you, cousin Marion 2" asked
Richard, for the roguish boy began to
remember certain instances of his teasing
and fun, which he thought might not
sound very we'll in the account.
A Il I.,1 4
Marion, who had escaped from the dull
restraint Of the city for little while, to
enjoy the freedom she loved. Oh, it was
strange how she could leave a world OF
gaiety and fashion, where she was the
brightest star, to sit on that old stone
hearth in the farmers kitchen, and crack
butternuts or help to pare apples till hel
little hands looked black enough but
she did love it, and dearly they all loved
her, she was so gifted and so kind, sc
winning 10 all and then, James said
she WIS first-rate hand at making candy
and popping corn.
But Marion Norvcllc was not gcntec
indeed she wasn't She had rathe,
play the romping games of the country
girls, coast with James Graham of
n onlight night, than dance the polk;
in her splendid city home and why
should she not for the shadows of oil,
bending trees were on the frozen lake
and the moon shines brighter there thai
gas-light does in a crowded room OF
beauty which God did not make. Per
haps, Marion bad holier thoughts thai
those of mere enjoyment, for every nigh
she had gathered the children aroun,
her, and with them repeated prayer, s.
earnest in its few simple words, TIA
their young eyes closed tervently as the
knclt, and all>her mrth and gaiety wa
for few moments forgotten.
Now, as she sat on a rude, low seat
with Annie's sweet face resting on he
lap, tue glowing freight lit up her fac