Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1867-03-19
MISCELLANEOUS.
From the roy3 and Girls MontLIy.I
Never Indulge in Practical Jokes.
A TRUE TALE.

TRUE TALE.
"Never indulge in practical jokes" once
heard gentle lady say to merry boy who
was stealing cautiously through the room
where his sister was leaning back reading. her
chair so delicatcly poised that the least touch
would be sufficient to ovcrturn it. "Never
indulge IN practical jokes, or some fatal acci-
dent may cast a shadow over your young lie
which no after repentance can ever remove"
Startled by the tone of almost anguish in
which she spoke, looked up and was amazed
by the look of terror dcpitlrd on her face as
she sprang forward just in time to prevent
the mischievous boy causing his unsuspect-
ing sister severe fall. 1 had often won
dered at the expression of gentle but unal>
terable sadness, so indellbly stamped on the
face of my friend, who had, I thought. every
thing requisite to make her a happy woman :;
and now coming to her side begged her to
tell me what there was in the rude and
thouShless play of merry boy to move her
SO deeply. Gazing at me with a Look of
touching sadness, she asked if it were possi-
BILE did not know that the consequences of
what termed crude and thoughless play"
were the cause of the deep shadow which
hung over her life. Replying that did not,
l eagerly beggcd-if not too painful-shc
o.
ments pause she consented and told me the
following simple narrative which I give rs
nearly as L can remember, in her own words:
There were only two of US, and we were
the IDOLS OF our parents. I was two years
older than Edith, but looked up to her and
reverenced her more than any one on earth.
except my mother and father Indeed. nv
feelings toward her were shared by all who
knew her. Even the servants would say of
her. that "Miss Edith was far too good for
MtS world, &c. While my wild spirits and
mlschleVous ways were always bringing me
into trouble. l never remember her to have
peen even reproved, although sho frequently
interposed to shield me from punishment,
even when she had herself been the sufferer
from my misconduct, l loved her with all
the strength of my wild passionate nature
and one sorrowful glance from her gentle
eyes would do moro to make me sorry for nv
faults than severe punishment. One morn
ing arose IN 60 teasi iRg, and mischievous
humor tEat was twice rCproved and finally
sent to my room in disgrace, with only Gun
of milk and slice Of bread for nv break.
fast. was standing sullcnly by the window
thinking how bright everything looked with,
out, when l heard the patter of little feet
and turning saw Edith standing beside 1nc
With look full of love she slipped into nv
hand large slice of rich cake, given her for
her lunch, and telling me it was time to 20 to
school, brought my bonnet and satchel. and
we were soon tripping along joyously togeth-
.er through the cool and shady woods, and be-
meath the green trees which looked so lovely
in their spring dress As the soft breczcs
played gently on my face, fe!t my spirits rise
under the vivying influence, and Edith was
soon as merry as myself, till at last we reach
ed the school and took our accustomed places.
low long tho day seemed to me, as 1 idly
conned over my lessons, and drawing un
couth figures on my slate, and now sI;ly fast.
enlng paper streamers to my nearest neigh
boris dress; but at length the last lesson was
said, and we heard the welcome words. ssYou
are dismissed"
Snatching up my bonnet, I cried "Come
on Edith, quick VIC are going to play some
new games"
I'm one moment" she replied, ssonlv I
must hnish' this sum first" So saving. She
prepared to take seat on bench Just before
me; the temptation was TOO strons. I conld
not resist, and bending forward. / su,;oLi,,
drew It back. She fell as L had exncctci
but in her fall drew the heavy bench On ber
delicate ankle. Startled by the sudden naIo-
which overspread her face, was at her side
In an instant, begging her to tell me if She
was hurt. ''Notvery much, !" she GENTLY said.
but even then I could detect the look Of rain
which she in vain erdeayored to suppress So
Weeping bitterlyi 1 helped her to a chair
"hi!e she strove to comfort me, kissino mo
and saying she would soon be as well as ever lT'
until at last believed her, and driving NV
ss ssa5s IP / helped her to get ready to 60 home.
0he walked with pain, and often stopped tn
ea'' anu Tue latter part of the way leaned
heavily on me, but She vas cheerful. and 7
thought as looked at her bright sn,rti;,., Xii =
eyes and flushed cheeks. that she had Ssss9s
How pretty you are, Edith ~ e+c,,;n
ep, Mhen at last we had reached home and
she-! she !nFeW herself on the lounge in our n,o-
.,ij noW Io very strangely my leg feels" she
said to me. 81 cannot get off my stockin., -
nor indeed, could she, for it was much sh sE6I-
1Gl leh and tearfuily inaamed, and very painful.
IN t5e stocking was quickly removed by the
and OF scissors, and the physician sent for,
but before he arrived cur darling Was tossing