Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1872-02-01
Miserllantous.
A Story Of a Cup Of Tea.

Agnes Stillton stood by the window
watching the glowing sunset, which
threw dazzling beams upon the spot
less snow. that had only fallen the pre-
yious night. She was such . little
creature that YOU would scarcely have
believed that she was eighteen years
old, and head of her fathers house
unless perhaps, you had looked in her
thoughtful blue eyes-at this moment
more thoughtful than ever.
What are you thinking of, Agnes 2
asked Mr.. Stillton. looking lovingly at
the earnest little face.
i scarcely believe | WAS thinking at
all, papa she answered; Il was rather
ENJOYING the beautiful sunset, and feel
ing at the same time what q pleasant
thing it is to have home
True, my dear, very true, said papa
and pity those poor wanderers who
are without one, and who are perhaps
radiant sky, or freezing beneath the
dazzling snowdrifts. Would 10 God :,
he continued, more earnestly, that all
had as comfortable home a. our own.
And Mr.. Stillton glanced around the
pleasant apartment, with its bright car
pet and tasteful furniture, taking in his
gaze the cheerful tea-table, covered
with its damask cloth, and glittering
with its delicate china and old fashion.
cd silver.
At that moment old Betty entered
bringing. in the tea, and Agnes, who
was motherless, took her place at the
head Of the table. How gracefully the
little hands move among the cups and
saucers how neatly the steaming tea
is poured out and the rich milk dropped
into each cup, TO which she adds the
proper quantity of sugar. All do not
tell me that pouring out tea is not an
accomplishment quite as much to be
studied, young ladies', as your French
or music. and in nine cases out Of ten
much more useful. and what prettiel
sight could YOU wish than q sweet face
behind the shining tea ware. and lit
tie white hand futtering hither and
thitheI over the tea cups. With Agnes
pouring out tea was a natural gift
She had never learned the art, for hel
mother died many years before, and
old Betty, though a most faithful serv
ant, was scarcely competent TO in
struct Agnes in the art of graceful tie:
making, so you see, as Agnes wa
graceful, it must have been talen
she possessed.
Listen, papa! was not that the bel
ringingT asked Agnes.
Yes, think it was,' said Mr.. Still
ton and q moment later Betty entered
saying there's man as wants to se
YOU, sir, and l told him you were a
Your tea; and it's nights lodgine
that he's after wanting
Is he a poor man, Betty aske'
Agnes.
Sure and l can't be telling you
miss, for he looks and speaks like
gentleman, barring his asking night
lodging
Well, ask him in, Betty said MI
Stillton. If he is poor, yet acts lik
a gentleman, surely that is sufficien
cause for us to treat him as one An
good simple hearted Mr.. Stillton, wit
his face beaming with kindness, waite
the strangers entrance, while Bett
went to obey his commands; an
grumbled all the time she was Obeyin
them.
The idea of asking a strange ma
into the house and the masters silve
shining on the table; it's nurdere
alive we'll all be in our beds this bles:
ed night
, But she told the stranger, nevertht
less, to walk into the dining-room, an
she hobbled off in a huff to the kitcheI
Mr.. Stillton found his guest youn
man of perhaps twenty-five, plainly an
neatly dressed, and having the manner
and appearance Of a gentleman. II
apologized politely but quietly, for hi
intrusion, but gave no explanation {
his presence, otherwise than that
was travelling East on business, an
having been delayed by the snov
found it impossible to reach B-th.
night, whittier he was bound.
Mr.. Stillton told him he was hearth
: welcome, and Betty brought a clea
plate and cup, which Agnes filed viii
fragrant tea and whether it was Il
p pretty china and bright silver, whie
so often attracted the strangers attel
ton toward the head Of the table,
course am unable to say. Doubtle
it was the steam Of the bot tea whit
brought such . vivid glow to Agne
round cheeks.