Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1859-06-17

though there were books, and flowers
and pictures in her parIor and sitting
room, they were not near as large, or as
handsomely furnished as The Miss John
sons whose father had been very success.
tul in shipping boots and shoes to the
South, or Louisa Aliens whose mother
was denied all right and title to it, now
that it had been refreshed and was desir
ed by her datitul daughter not to make
her appearance when she was receiving
callers.
Miss Benedict, who owed her cultivated
tastes and large acquaintance with gener-
al literature to the constant companion
ship with her father, was perhaps just a
tritie elated by her entrance INTO society,
but she was not aware that it affected
her manner towards her late schoolmates
She had too much good sense and good
feeling to do so intentionally, and was
on the kindest terms with Mrs. Atwood,
their next door neighbor, a qnie, little
person that none of them would have
considered yisitable. But who was un-
fortunately placed in some respects. II
she was invited to party at Mr.. Wood
trldse s, for instance, it was too far for
her to walk in evening dress. aud her
f.thers means would MT allow of a
carriage from livery stable so in pay.
ing her calls among those who like Mrs
Ashley, lived jnst out Of town. Then
again. her father was always engaged
certain evenings of every week, and il
on invitation fell upon one Of them, as
seemed TO ner the most desirable one:
always did, she was compelled to stay al
home for want of an escort. Mrs
Ashley was her favorito among all the
ladies' in KasselviIIc; she was connected
with some Of the best country families
person OF liberal means an eXpt nditures
and had i. In her power. had she chosen
or thought Of doing SO, to obli5c Mss
Benedict very frequently For instance
She was sometimes tormented with tht
idea OF q certain insecurity in her posi-
ton; she imagined that she was invited
when it was convenient. or could not well
be avoided and left ont Of picnics,or then
more intimate social gatherings. If Mrs.
Ashley would but take her out once or
twee,o ask her infinitely to her own
house it would settle the matter. Then, toe
she was extremely fond OF music and had
advanced by herself beyond the tuition
Of Miss BE lows, who had been the
prima DONNA Of the church choir, and
the eacher at the Academy ever since
The Battle of Prague was considered q
test of brilliant execution. Mrs Ashley
and her eldest daughter were both fine
musicians, constantly in the receipt o.
the newest compositions, and few hints
from them would have been invaluable
Often when the SNOW sArouded Ms,
Benelict's little garden, and her te s
roses and geraniums declined to bloom,
she remem bered almost with envy the
rich and odorloIs blossoms wasting Their
beauty AMI perfume in Mira. Ashley
greenhouse; and sometimes wien She
met the ladies in lie dressing room, a. a
party. she tRought how much trouble
and planning about dressing her hair, d
handful Of the glossy leaves and waxcr
buds they seemed to cale So little foi
would have saved her.
There VS. soft, quiet view, from the
summit of Walnut Hi. of the little town
with its white Grceian polticos, relieved
bv shade trees; the blue curling smoke
OF factory. whose unsightly buildings
were hidden by the deep hollow in which
they were placed; Level, winling road
along which heavily loaded grain wagon,
toiled at intervales to the crack Of the
drivers whip; giimp,es Of fawn colorcd
Gothic country seats, shat hal sprung up
within the last few years; and, just before
them, Mrs. Ashley's well-kept grounds
with velvet lawn, superb shade-tfees ,ahd
the house itself, laxurio4s with the bay,
windows. balconies, and oeep verandaS,
Miss Benedict returned to her ca rye
1t seems to me as it rica people were
always selfish Aud she nodded to.
ward, the picturesque sttole. to call hei
fathers attention to the handsome bay
horses, Just led ont by the groom. !
suppose the Ashleys are going to ride.
wonder if they are going to the Wood
bridges | dare say; and here | have
owed Maria Woodbridge call for three
months, and have no chance Of ge,tin.
there
why don't you mention it to Mrs
Ashley: think she would take you
willingly
oh, never intend to push myself
forward. whatever else | do. If sht
can't think Of il herself | shan't remind
her of it, And there was increasing
pique in her tone.
How is Mrs. Atwood to day : Mr.
Benedict seemed suddenly to forget the
subject of their conversation. Il really
feel sorry for her, shut up 50 much at
lone, with that sick child. Do you
never send her any books Frances p
Books !. no, l never tn hough of it.
wonder if she would like some.
should think she would ask, if she wanted
any,
Perhaps she thinks you would objec,
to lending-many people do--and do
not like to risk refusal. She has
no other opportunity to get anything
new, l know. l suppose the Blight,
have 'the run Of the bookcase
why, never think of offering any
one book . 1t seems as if everybody
had them; we have always had so many
1ytpop srnn,l