Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1871-02-09

OF the ornameniatiOn.
The crowd ofladics turned toward the
town; they all happened to live that
way Miss Tamarind had to 60 in the
direction of the outskirts. AS she was
alone, Mr.. Macfuseras offered TO attend
ber-he could not well do less. The
rest watched them off :. she on the pave
mcnt, he beyond the gutter in the native
retirement Of his manners.
IIorrid SLY cat, that old Tamarind
is : observed Miss Juno. Pm sure we
could have done quite we'll without her
help
1t was a beautiful night, the stars
glitteriug like diamonds in the frosty
sky. Arrived at Miss Tamariud's gate,
the clergyman shook hands, and she
thanked him for his politencss in walk
ing with her. They were in the habit
of meeting sometimes at the Lcthridges,
to whom he was distaDtly related, and
therefore were on friendly terms
You dine out to morrow, of course 2
said Miss Tamarind. Butt was
thinking--Ifyo you would honor my poor
little tea table aftcrward, with your
presence, Mr.. Macfu.cras--that is,
should you not be better engaged--she
stopped in confusion.
Thank you; I'll come with pleasure,
If | can get away
Miss Tamariud eat her supper, and
sat before the fire musing, when Bridget
had taken the tray away. Her home
seemed very lonely! all by herself at
this icstal time. when other families met
to make merry! She could not help
picturing how happy it might be if fsome-
body came to join her--say St Johns
curate, for instance. The poor lady
had grown to like him rather more than
was good for her peace. There was not
a man in the wide world she esteemed
and revcrenced so much as he. She
became lost in an imaginary vista of the
future so improbable, and yet so charm.
ing, that when Bridget brought in the
bed-candle, she started up as ifthe house
had been on fire.
Miss Tamarind had an enchanting
dream that night. She thought she was
in bower, or arbor, made of natural
flowers Of many colors, all bright and
beautiful to look upon. AS she sat there
dressed as princess, u soft white light
arose, softer yet brighter than any yet
seen on earth: many people We're bow
ing before her in homage, and amid them,
more distinct than any, she saw Mr..
Macfuseras. Never had she experience
ed so delightful sensation her whole
heart seemed to desire nothing further:
it was the acme Of bliss.
My goodness, what sweet dream !
thought Miss Tamarind when she awoke.
what pity it is that Dire ans never
come true ?
On the breakfast table lay a parcel
and letter, that the post had brought
from London. The parcel confined
beautiful prayer book of dark blue
with double clasps of silver;
the letter a hope that she would accept
the book and all good wishes with it.
'How kind it is of them to remem,
ber me ! thought Miss Tamarind, the
grateful tears gathering in her eyes. I
am glad they have chosen big one
with large print! My old book was
getting very shabby
Who so proud, that Christmas Day.
as Miss Tamarind, when she turned out
of her house in all the glory of her new
attire An emerold-grccn satin gown
that glis!ened in the sun, a jacket garn-
iShed with white fur: and resplendent
white bonnet that had top-knot of car
nations, and dropping tasseIs Of gold.
Bridget caught up her breath when she
came forward to open the street door,
and backed against the wall instead of
loing it.
My stars and smitereenS, Miss Jemi-
ma Faix, and the sun to-day never'l
be half as lovely as you
Now, Bridget, you are sure you can
manage the stutfiug for the turkey p
Questioned Miss Jemima, making believe
1ot to care for the adulation, though it
was in truth as the vcriest incense to her
leart. You can do it well, you know,
f you will
Trust me, missus-and amt it for
he gala dinner oths blessed day !! was
he girls answer. oh, but that gownds |
ust rainbow, ma am! ...
What with guarding the gown from
contact with the streets, and what with
he new prayer-book and white muf,
Miss Tamarind had her hands full as
'hc sailed down the road. Opposite Mr..
Lethridge's house she saw Master Rich
,rd, a gentleman of ten, mounted on the
spikes of the iron gates.
why, Dick, you'should not be doing
hat on Christmas Day, reproved Miss
ramarind 'Are your papa and man.
ma gone to church YETI
PA and mas not going, responded
Dick, jumping down. 'Pa's ILL.,