The Grand Haven news. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1858-18??, 1859-01-19

Five minutes before the time of service
TO begin, n lady just above the medium
height, beautifully formed, and with a
step of blended grace and dignity, passed
along the aisle, leading child by the
hand, and took seat in the ministers
pew. Although not in any sense gaiy
dressed, there was style and air about
her that by no means indicated pious
disregard of worldly things Taste
had evidently presided at her toilet. l
noticed slight futtering through the
congregation, and the turning of many
heads towards the minister's pew, which
occupied the most prominent place in the
church. The lady did not look around
her, nor show the slightest sign Of inter-
est in the people. How different in all
things was her appearance and bearing
from the kind, good, compliant Mrs.
Wharton, whose pleasant, almost smiling
face, l had seen for so many years in that
pew--a face turning, as by instinct, its
mild sunlight ever and anon upon the
congregation, while her husband broke for
them the Bread of Life.
The contrast was hardly agreeable.
"She'll never do" whispered a lady
shadow Of Miss Lanes, bending to my
ear from the pew just behind the one l
occupied "Pioud as Lucifer. any one
can see. Such airs won't do for st. Char
ity."
made no reply. Though annoyed, l
was yet sensibly influenced by the re-
mark.
Very still, almost like a statute, set
Mrs. N, the minister's wife, and could
see that the child, little girl six or sew
en- years old, leaned very close to her,
How wished she would turn toward the
congregation! How longed to see her
face! But / was not granted this desire
until after the mornings services were
closed.
was particularly pleased with Mr.
Newton. His sermon, in contrast with
the discourses had listened to from the
lips Of Mr.. Wharton, was masterpiece
of eloqGcnce. No one listened 10 him
with more rapt attention than Mrs. New
ton.
At last the services closed, and the
time came when my restless curiosity was
to be satisfied The minister's wife
turned her face TO the congregation, and
| had view Of every feature. 1t was a
face once seen, to be remembered. Class
ic almost to severity in its outline, the
full lips and soft hazel eyes gave TO it a
gentle expression. You saw at glance
that sho was woman of thought as well
as feeling.
A few ladies gathered around her rs
she stepped from the pew, and noticed
that her countenance lit up very pleasant
ly as she spoke to them. But there was
nothing obsequious; no undue familiari-
ty; no wordy afability. A certain air Of
dignity and self-respect marked every at
titude of her person and every expression
of her countenance. Any vulgar famili-
arity toward her was out Of the question
Il saw that at glance.
But only few ladies in the congrega-
ton ventured to approach her. In the
eyes of many she was proud, and they
were not going to force themselves upon
her notice. The prejudice admitted into
their minds by others made them shun
rather than court her acquaintance. Of
the few who did not notice her some were
attracted by affinity, and some by de-
sire TO gain little reflected importance.
Some thought it but lospitable 10 show
her attentions, rs a stranger among them,
and acted accordingly, though force-work
was apparent. Desiring to meet her and
make her acquaintance, | asked to be in
troduced, and was presented by friend.
l thought her reception rather cold, and
after passing formal word or two, NOV
ed past her to speak TO an old acquaint-
ance whom | had not met for some time.
How do you like our new minister's
wifep was almost the first question.
Cant say; must know something
about her first" ! answered.
"She'll not do for u.s." said my friend,
very warmly. She's not the woman for
ST. CharityP
whats the defectl" / inquired.
ats all defect p was the sweeping re-
ply. "Just look at her A pretty thing
for minister's wife, indeed! Why she
carries herself with the air Of . queen p
i aMr Newton" said /, "is a most
charming speaker. | think mover heard
a more beautiful sermon"
"0h, Mr.. Newton is splendid" replied
my acquaintance warmly. "But his wife
oh, dearl it's dreadful What could