Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1871-09-13

Nellie Grfiths and Gwen Owen had both
been sent to Mrs. StrayteIace's elegant es-
tablishment for young ladies" wide prospec-
tus,) though the worldly position Of Ovens
parents by no means allowed them to pay the
heavy school fee demanded by that magni6.
cent lady. But kind Mr. Griiiths, remem-
bcring his late wifes great affection for her
sister, and considering that it would most
likely be happier lot for his little mother
less girl If her cousin, with whom she had
been together from earliest childhood, were
her companion in this new sphere, would not
hear any Of the objections which Mr.. and
Mrs Owen tried to raise, aud begged them
to let him undertake the whole care Of
Ovens education
Whether his kindness and liberality really
made his little daughter happier, is doubt.
ful. The two children though they had al.
ways been together, were hardly to be called
great friends. Gwen it is true loved her
young cousin, who was six months her jun.
ior, and upon whom she looked with quite
an elders interest; but Nellie did not care
much for Gwen. She did not exactly dislike
her, but she would not have minded in the
very least if Gwen bad gone to another
school and perhaps she thought it rather a
bore than otherwise, when papa proposed that
they should 90 together Nor were matters
improved when they had lived for some time
under Mrs. Straytelace's roof for Nellie
was of jealous, ambitious temperament
and it riled her to see that gentle little Gwen
who was so far less clever than herself, and
who had not nearly so much pocket.money
nor so many sweets and jams and cakes from
home, was the universal favorite of the
school.
Every one loved Gwen she was every
bodt's pet If any of the girls were i'll
they wanted Gwen to come and sit by them
if there were any disputes to be decided
Gwen was called upon to be srbiter and i
she did not win such brilliant cncomiums
from her master as often fell to Nellie's lot
neither did she have to hear such reproache,
on the score of hightiness, want of attention
and carelessness.
So matters stood between the two little cou
sins when the midsummer holidays, which
closed their FIRST school year, were at hand
There were to be general examinations aut
distribution Of prizes, aud eagerly were tn
chances anl prospects Of the coming struggl
discussed The thought of the combat ha,
sharpened Nelie's ambition. She had beer
rather lazy this term, working only by fit
and starts, though very well when she did
for she was a clever child, aud could acquir
quickly. Gwen meanwhile, less gifted b,
nature, had been plodding steadily on, and al
the girls of the second class were forced {,
acknowledge that the prize lay between tn
two cousins.
1t happened at this time that an aunt o
Nellies, who had a country house not man,
miles from Mrs. Straytelaces school, wa
about to give a croquet party; and the da,
fixed for it being Saturday, she sent a note t
Mr.. Straytelace begging that Nellie nigh
be allowed to join it. She would not hav,
done so had it been any other day but hall
holiday for Mrs. Strayteace was an oil
fashioned thinking woman, and did not aI
prove Of little girls missing school for enjoy
ment. Nellie had been good girl for tn
whole past month, had not once given caus
for complaint, and had been working for tn
examination with so feyerish an ardor, tina
Mrs Straytelace had no objection to givin
her consent Gwen had been asked too fc
kind Mrs. Simpson, though Gwen was not he
niece, never thought of asking one cousi
without the other. But poor little Gwen ha
bad headache when the afternoon came, an
so perforce had to stay at home. When Ne
lie went up stairs to dress, all the girls too
an affectionate interest in the performance
and Gwen herself, Notwithstanding her heaC
ache and disappointment, was the first to vo
unteer her assistance. Nellie was nothin
loath to accept it. Gwen was so neat hanC
ed; whatever she did was done well an
there was no one in the whole school coul
plait hair like Gwen could, or make Nellie
long silken brown name look to such adyan
age While therefore Gwen was performin
the office of hair-drcsser, Amy Richards wa
laying out Nellie's best white muslin froc
and the rich plaid sash Mr. Griffith had give
bis little girl on his last visit. As she too
these things out Of the drawer, she came W
on an Indian sandalwood box.
Is that where you keep your ornaments
Nellie2" asked Amy.
"Yes Give me that, please, and III sc
what I'll put on"
She unlocked the case, and displayed I
the admring gaze Of her companions rathe
more goodly collection of jewelry than littl
girls generally possess, The things had bee
Mrs. GrifIiths and Mr.. Griffiths, thoug
very kind, was not quite prudent, and had il
trusted his little girl rather early with thing
that be6tted a riper age.
| don't know what to put on," said Nel
lie, at last, as she turned them over. "Plai
is such tiresome thing mover know wha
color to wear with it,"
"Givo me your sash then,' said Amy, " j
you find it such bother | am sure woul'
not grumble if it were mine"
II would give it you with pleasure if pap
had not given il me- answered Nellie, who
whatever her faults were, was not ungenerous
+" But do tell me what am to wear"
What is in that little brown case
You've not opened that suggested Amy.
The color rushed into Ncllie's cheeks, On,
she laid her hand upon the little case to stol
AMY from nnanino II