The Van Buren press., 1859-12-02
MEistellallp.
0o
The Deacon's Dinner PARTY.

| that ever lived. So, at least said his friend.
and neighl'ors, who certainly ought to know
ani as for enemies, he probably had not on,
in the world. 1t is true, however that tn,
remark above quoted was generally made
the following But then, he has such queer
notions, he is so unlike anybody else, that
we hardly know what to make of him.
Perhaps these worthy people were oblivi-
GUS of the fact that in order to he very good
it is very often painful necessity to be diff
ferent from ones neighbors.
We cannot better illustrate the Deacon's
peculiarities than by describing an enter
tainment given by him at his country seat
not long ago. For the deacon, with all his
unworldly goodness, is prosperous mer-
chant in New York, and the owner (by per-
fectly fair means) not only ola brown stone
front in the city, but a charming suburban
residence. The DcacOn's wife, though a
yerv good woman in-bnr 6. -
less peculiar parsonage than her husband.
She fell quite gracefully into amiablc con-
formity with the ways of the world, and is
not to be distinguished from the thousands
of women of the wealthier class, who throng
our city churches. Their two daughters,
Miss Adelia and Miss Ellen, had Just lost
the restraints of their fashionable school,
and enjoyed the prospect of coming out
another winter, as full tledged members OF
society.
Husband said Mrs. Deacon one May
morning, soon afteDthe family migration to
the country. Husband, you know we did
not give that dinner that we were propos-
ing last winter-what do you say to have
it here instead We are so convenient to
the city that they can easily come out in
coaches
'You gave a large party, did you not,
which included all that should have been
your dinner guests p
Dear me, yes but that was quite diff
ferent thing. Now at this little affair am
speaking of, should want our most partic-
ular friends
'Oh! if that is the plan like it well,
rejoined the warm hearted Deacon. But
why not ask them to pass a week with US !?
Ask-whom -
well, your brother Johns family first
the children would enjoy it-and then
'Oh you don't understand me at all
l mean only few of the best families, who's.
II Is IlOSI ID cultl-
vate.'
Really, wife, it does not seem quite hon
orable to invite guests for our own selfisl
purposes. / can sell hardware with good
conscience, but the hospitalities of my
house.
who wants you to sell the hospitalities
of your house? No, no, my dear /; that i.
one of your odd notions. Everybody in
society does just as l am proposing. And
after all, this inviting is only doings as We
would be done by
True, truc,' said the Deacon with mer.
ry hugh. But why not do this favor te
to some one who will value it, to whom il
will be real kindness? There are hun1.
reds that could name to whom day spent
among these green trees in the sweet air o.
the country would be an event to remem-
Der for a year.
'Oh, if you mean a charitable visit, that
is very good in its place. but very different
from the matter have in hand. For oul
children's sake, my dear, it really is a duty
to hold our place in good society,"
The Deacon was always accessible to con-
siderations of duty. He merely said
.Well, name your day, and give me the
list. / viii have the invitations sent from
my Office
A capital thought, your accountant is
~uch a splendid penman. And as to the
You know the families to whom
NO .r, Tor the greatest obligations.
would have the company as select as posi-
BILE, and l will try to make the whole at
fair pass off finely said the worthy lady
bcaming already with amiable compiacen'
cy upon her prospective guests.
The expected day arrived. Mrs. Good
man and daughters. their elegant toilets a
last perfected, were seated in the drawing
room, whose long windows looked across
cool verandah, and commanded the way o
on,r,cach from the city. Though the nm
p aers we're occupied with light fancy work
exnectant eyes were glancing contln1"li!
~uithe road tc NEE. the first arrival.
10: ~: one will come spr an hour YET: ;S' 70
nav he sure,' said Mrs. G. our ia'ne !
ma: may such u an horror Of late hours, tnat ca a
I sss ms to be dressed and waiting oy lou
wan IL
s.clgck-'