Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1860-07-25
THE DEAcoN's DINNER PARTY.


THE DEACON'S DINNER PARTY.
Deacon Goodwin was the very best man that
ever lived. So at least said his friends and
neighbors, who certainly ought to know, and
for enemies, he had probably not one in the
world. 1t is true, however, that the remark
above quoted, was generally made as sort OF
apologize preface to something like the fol-
lowing aBut 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 obliviOus of the fact that
in order to be rery good, it Is often painful
necessity to be different from ones neighbors.
We cannot better illustrate Deacon Good
wins peculiarities than by describing little
entertainment 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 land the owner (by perfect
ly fair means) not only of q brown stone front
in the city, but of charming suburban resi-
dcnce. The DeacOn's wife, though q very
good woman in her way, was far less pecu-
liar parsonage than her husband. She fell
quite gracefully into an amiable conformity
with the ways OF the world, and is not 10 be
distinguished from the thousands of good wo-
men-of the wealthy class-who throng our
city churches. Their two daughters, Adelaide
and Miss Ellen, had just left the restraints
of their fashionable school, and enjoyed the
prospect Of "coming out'' another winter, as
full l-hedged members of society.
"Husband,' said Mrs. Deacon one May
morning, soon after the family migration to
the country, ssHusband, you know we did not
given that dinner that we were proposing last
winter; what do you say to having it here in
stead. We are SO convenient to the city that
they can easily come in coaches.'
"You gave large party, did you not, which
included all that should. have been your din
ner-guests."'
"Dear me, yes! but that was quite differ
ent thing. Now at this little affair am speak
ing of, should want only our most particular
friends.'
"Oh, il that is the plan, i like it well," re-
joined the warm hearted Deacon. eBut why
not ask them to pass week with us 7''
"Ask-whom 20
"Well,y brother Johns family first; the
children would enjoy it-and then"
"Oh you don't understand me at all! l
mean only a few of the best families, whose
acquaintance it is most desirable to cultivate.'-
..Realiy, wife, it does not seem quite honor
able to invite guests for our own selfish pur-
poses. i can sell hardware with clear con-
science, but the hospitalities of my house.
"Who wants to sell the hOspitalities Of your
house. No, no, my dear that is one of your
odd notions. Everybody in society does just
as am proposing. And after all this inviting
is only doing as we would be done by.''
s'True, true," said the Deacon, with mer-
~ laugh, "but why not do this favor to some
one who will value it; to whom it will be
real kindness? There are hundreds, now,
whom / could name, to whom a day spent a.
mong these green trees, in the fresh, sweet
air of the country, would be an event to re-
member for year,
ssOh, if you mean charitable visit, that is
very good in its place, but very different Fl ON
the matter have in hand. For our chldren's
sake, my dear, 1t really is duty to hold our
place in good society,""
The Deacon was always accessible to con-
siderations of duty. He merely said:
swell, name your day, and give me the
list will have the invitations sent from my
office.''
GA capital thought your accountant there
IS such splendid pensman; and as to the
names, you know the families to whom we are
under the greatest obligations. l would have
the company as select as possible, and will
try to make the whole affair pass off finely"
said the worthy lady, beaming already with
amiable complacency upon her prospective
guests.
The expected day arrived. Mrs. Goodwin
and daughters, their elegant toilets at last
perfected, were seated in the drawing room,
whose long windows looked across a cool We
randall, and commanded the way of approach
from the city. Though the fingers very occu-
pied with light fancy work, expectant eyes
were glapcing continually down the road to
meet the first arrival.
ono one will come for an hour yet,you may
be sure," said Mrs. G. "Your father has such
a horror of late hours, that he wanted us to be
dressed and waiting by o'clock"
~ never saw omnibus on this road be-
lpre," said Miss ELLEN as one of those plebe-
Jan sehieles made its appearance over the brow
"Chartered for some special purpose said
ner mother absently, as she mused upon the
dinner.
"There is another" said Adelaide.
"And another" added Ellen.
"Ihere Is quite procession of them" said
tie mother.
"And the first one is stopping at our gate,''
exclaimed Ellen.
"W hat in the world can all these forlorn
iiooking creatures want here ?'' cried Adelaide
In CONSERVATION.
"Do go and send them away befole our CON-
pany comes," said Miss Goodwin.
II nave seen some of them at the Industrial
nsooi, said Ellen with sudden gleam of
.iment; 'scan this be one of father s curl
Gus tricksl''
=. III certainly is,' replied Adelaide, ssfor