The Portland daily press., 1865-11-22
.-as3g lI8ll

"Mercy knows" said Aunt Jerusha, as she
settled herself in her small rocking-chair, and
wiped her steel bowed specs on her apron be-
fore placing them astride her nose, "mercy
knows never slander my neighbors. I've
enough to do to take care of my own affairs
Now there is Dorothy Ann--always knows
just what every one has on at church. The
idea of looking at peoples dress in church!
But that is some folks tailings we all have
our falling, l s'pose," and a sigh finished the
sentence.
Whether this harangue was addressed
to the world in general, or was for the espec-
ial benefit of a tall young lady seated at ta-
BILE near by, inserting sharp pam Of she9r rs in
to piece of cloth, we do not know. The
young lady made no reply, but mischievous
smile fitted over her face, and sile;ce,foilow-
ed, unbroken save by the vengefu. snap of the
shears as they closed over the cloth, and the
loud tick of the clock in the corner. Suddenly
Aunt Jerusha peered out of the window
"Look, Minerva Jane-ain't them the Carpen-
ter girls going by?' aYes," was the laconic
answer. "Do see how they are dressed They
came sailing into church during prayer time
last Sunday, looking like peacocks. L watch
ed them down the iasle clear to their seats.-
They wore green silks, velvet cloaks, and their
bonnets looked like flower gardens. i noticed
their ftlrs in particular; they were new and
fashionable. Much cause they have to be
proud! / should think glance at home
would lower their feathers some. But there
comes Mrs. Bakerl o dear! she is a regular
gossip, and we shall have to listen to her long
yarns all the afternoon. What bore she is +
A vigorous knock at the door was followed by
the entrance OF the lady in question. Aunt
Jerusha rose with beaming face to greet her.
MY dear Mrs. Baker, how do you do? Twas
just thinking about you. Law aside your
things and spend the afternoon. Minerva
Jane, bring out the rocking-chair for Mrs B;,-
ker." The two ladies were soon seated with
their sewing, and Aunt Jerqlsha asked ~ w. :,
NHave you seen Mrs. Nash recently ? Jwor.
der if her husband is as bad as ever !? declare
that woman has time of it. / spose Won
know he stole the pork from Mr.. Brien's eel
lar few weeks ago?" "Yes, heard. of it.',
"Haye you seen Mrs. Slocum riding with the
Young doctor?" "To be sure; some folks saw
he's her cousin, but don't believe it," "Weil,
now do say,p replied Aunt Jerusha, II don't
SANDER my neighbors but that's pretty doings,
anyhow. Did you ever hear what wild girl
she was before she was married? My sisters
husbands cousin used to know her, and she
said she was perfectly independent; didn't care
what folks said about her. But suppose you
have heard of Mr.. Estes failure? Formy part
don't wonder at it, his wife was so extraya-
CANT; you've no idea how much waste there
was IN That house; | don't slander my neigh
bors, but do say Pm not surprised that her
husband has failed. They say he drinks;
should think Mrs. Smith would feel dreadful
bad to have Susan marry him; they're engag-
ed, Pm told | wouldn't have him courting
Minerva Jane for anything: but then Susan
amt any better than she should he 7 don't
slander my neighbors, but must saw 7 sbould
not want a daughter Of mine doine as she
does. Why, Mrs. Baker You amt puitino mn
your work; do stay till after tea We'll n vo,, p
can't, good bye; come again soon. There, }e
amt relieved" continued Aunt Jerusba %
the door closed upon the departing euest@
"Did you ever hear a woman go on So ahou,
her neighbors? The idea ofslanderins eyervs
body as she does; To be sure, have to faik
with her when she's here; bnt mercy knows
don't slander my neighborsr - II