The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1863-03-20
PUBLISHED EVERY
Volume I'D.

mama with the preserves
She was always busy. Lionie, who nevel
roso till ten o'clck, was ready for my pro
posed stroll or reading at any later hour, anc
forgot her untidy dress, tumblcd hair and
slip shod feet in the melodious voice, the ques
tioning sympathy, and soft aateries OF my
blue eyed cousin. Yet, though l fancied
looked down upon the common place Molly
il was pleasant sight to meet her little grace
ful figure always neat, whether in the tidy
morning chintz or the light evening dress
a pleasant sound to hear her cheerful voice
pleasant thing to note her busy fingers
always employed to tighten her mother
cares. to give her father apleasure, orrepair
some negligence Of her sisters. She spen,
part Of her time in her own room but the
breakfast table never waited for her, and
hers was the first kiss to welcome her father's
return at night.
had been at my uncle's two weeks, and
had already decided that Lconie was my sec-
ond self, and my life paradise or desert
according US she willed to accept or reject
my hand, when, one day, waiting for Leonic
to walk with me, Molly's voice called.
Edwin Edwin, come here Hurry Leo.
ME has fallen! .......
rushed into the entry. My idol had
caught her foot in rent of her dress, and
taking a flying leap down stairs; she lay
insenslble ut the foot. knelt down and call
ed upon her by every endearing name.
Don't be silly said Molly in quick,
anxious tone. You are the only one here
who can lift her. Take her to her own room,
and then send John for DR.. Wallace
Iobeyed. Liking the inanimatefgure. |
followed Molly's light footsteps up the stairs
to Iconic's room. Even in my terror could
not escape the impression OF disgust that room
gave me. My aunt made it a rule that the
girls should take care Of thch own rooms,
and ioudly Imagined Leonie's to be bower
of beauty--a resting place haunted by the
works, the pictures of great minds-a home
where genius could rest secure of no jar from
outer life. saw, at mid day, an unmade bed
dusty, creased, dirty carpet-open, disor-
derly drawers frou which struggled ends OF
dresses. brushes, soilcd collars; and manu-
scripts in direful confusion-a crushed bonnet
on the table, with volume Of Shelley in. the
crown-and writing desk open on win
dow sill. Ny aunt came up ina moment.
'some water, Molly DEAR! she said, tax.
ing her post at once by Leonic. And CO.
losne Where is the cologne?
Don't stop to look here Ned. Go to my
room there is bottle on the mantle piece,
said Molly.
Invent hastily, found the bottle, and was
then unceremoniously requested to retire. and
send the doctor up as soonas he came. Where
did 90? Straight, on my word, straight
back TO the room Of my matter of-fact cousin
was facina,ed by the glimpse had of it,
and actually had the imprudence to 80 for
another.
knew that my cousins were allowed to
furnish and decorate their rooms as they
pleased, and il was u revelation to look at
MOllyis. All the furniture was OF cool gray,
(cottagc.) with pretty flowers scattered over
il. The d,inty white bed, neatly made, stood
under curtains Of soft rose color gsuzc; the
pretty carpet, gray and flower s,rcwn like the
furniture, looked as if dust had never touched
it. Every article stood in its place, and there
was bcwitching air of finished neatness about
the whole that repudiated tho idea Of ser
wants finger. The book shelf held choice
selection of standard works, protected from
dust by curtain of the rose colored gauzc,
and few landscape pictures hung on the
walls. The work.basket and writing desk
were in loving conpanionship on table near
the window, whose white curtains gave
shade to the whole room. A small vase on
the bureau held one rose, hali-blown, with
cluster Of its own green leaves.
Leouie's injuries proved slight. but she
kept her room for week. and Molly and
were thrown much together. | cannot tell
ynu how she reused in me an ambition to DO
better man: how her earnest, useful life,
her gentle intelligence, and the well trained
mind. shamed me from my dreams, to manly
aspirations and resolutions. / left Leo deter
mined to deserve my cousin Molly's regard.
One year later renewed my visit. We
had corresponded during my absence, and
when left the second tune, brought home,
for my bride, my aarrER-or.rAcr.cousN
GERMAN Cum At WASHINGTON. The Wash.
ington correspondent the New York Her