Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1858-06-18

the victim of quick consumption.
" Nonsense, Mrs. Nottw exclaimed,
striving to suppress the smile which |
knew would give offence.
"Thats just what my husband says;
but he will see his mistake sometime p
circulated the lady, coughing slightly, to
give emphasis to her words
!" But you don't have the appearance
of person in a decline; I'm sure can't
perceive any such Indications"
Haven't hectic, Miss Chase; tell
me that"
. Your cheeks are red, certainly, but
that may be tho result of''--fry;eg cakes,
should have added, if prudence had
not restrained me; for on entering, l had
caught glimpse of Mrs. Mott in the
kitchen, assisting the cook in somo such
service as | have named. The lady,
however, saved me the trouble of fin
ishing my sentence, by Immediately re-
marking:
"That she had heard of younglady,
who was not considered dangerously i'll,
who walked about her room, and receive
ed company as usual, but who died on
the same night; and she should not be
surprised if her own case should prove
parallel one"
The subject began to weary ne, and
| changed it by asking eff sho meant
to attend lectures during the coming
winter?"
/" would like to, but that eradication
is denied me. People must sacrifice
something for their children" she re-
piled with tho air Of a martyr.
Thy, Mrs Nottw l exclaimed, in.
surprise; your children are every one
old enough to take care Of themselves,
and Sarah, | am sure, is as steady and
sedate as yourself, she would DO glad to
take your place."
+" Sarah is good girl but she lacks
experience, and | should not take
minutes comfort if l left them. They
might be taken sick, and nobody here
TO look after them; or their clothes
might catch fire; or they might get frigh-
tened; or somebody might break into the
house; at any rate, you may be sure
that something would happen in my
absence. And then there's another
thing 9ildings have got to falling down
lately / wouldn't put myself in a
crowd people in lecture room for
any money"
At this juncture smiled rather mere
lulously.
" You may laugh, but it is true; for
no longer ago than last Sunday, the
gallery in our church crcaked 50 dread
fully that really didn't feel safe; SO
got up and went out, Notwithstanding
the minister was in the middle of his SER
mon. | motioned to husband and the
children to follow, but they were too
fool hardy to mind me, and sat there
just as cool and composed as though
there was no danger. Some people are
80 easy and careless, Miss Chase"
And thus it was about everything /;
and was informed, on good authority,
that since the gallery had given forth
such threatening sounds-which nobody
else hoard-she could not be persuaded
to occupy the family pew in front ofthe al
tar, but sat quite near the door, so that
she could instantly rush out at the first
intimation of crash.
When she went to ride the horse must
be allowed to walk, SO that in case he
became FESTIVE or frightened, more con-
troll could be had over him; or should
the harness give way in any part the
result might be less shocking
One day, seeing her hand bandaged,
and thinking she might have wounded
it, | made inquiries accordingly; but
was not little amused at hearing her
gravely reply, that she had pricked it
the day previous, and fearing lest lock-
jaw or modification should ensue, she
had applied remedy in time-acting
on the old adage that "prcvention is
better than cure"
She had perfect horror Of railroad
cars, and never patronized them except
when absolutely necessary: on these
occasions, taking a solemn leave of her
family, and predicting an awful catrstro-
| phe before her return. AT one time, had
seated myself in the cars few moments
before the hour of starting, and being
engaged in reading did not perceive the
entrance Of Mrs. Mott, who took posses
sion Of vacant seat just before me,
looking very anxious and unhappy
Knowing her peculiar state of mind,
and thinking knowledge of my pres
ence might make her moro easy, l
touched her gently on the arm.
80, Clara, is that you" she exclaimed
81 know that something dreadful is 60
ing to happen, for just SEQ how the cars
rock l really believe we're of the
track !"
Il imagine VIC wouldn't DO going at
this rate if that were the case" replied,
calmly drawing of my glove.
"Jhen we are going fast?" she asked,
grasping more tightly her carpet-bag,
and taking a iirmor hold on the arm-rest.
"All Of fifty miles an hour, ma'am,"
said young man, mischievously, taking
advantage Of her fears. could not re-
sist laughing, for there was long train,
and We were creeping along at that mo-
ment at very slow rate.
80, Clara, how can you, whom, per-
haps the next moment we may bo-con-
ductor conductor ~ she cried, at the
top Other voice, as that parsonage walked
hastily by; but hearing himself called,
returned.
What is the matter ?" asked Mrs.
Mott, with much concern Do tell U.s.