Juniata sentinel. [volume] (Mifflintown, Pa.) 1846-1873, 1872-06-19
A Woman who Never ISLANDERS Her Neigh.
bOrS.


"Mercy knows" said Aunt Jerusba,
as she settled herself in her small rock
ing-chair, and wiped her steel bowed
specks on her apron before placing them
astride her nose "mercy knows l never
slander my neighbors, I've enough to
take care of my own affairs. Now there
is Dorotha Ann-always knows just
what every one has on at church. The
idea OF looking at peoples dress in church
But that is some folk $ failing. We have
our failings, l s'poee, and sigh finished
the sentence.
Whether this harrangue was addressed
to the world in general, or was for the
special benefit of tall young lady seated
at the table near by, inserting pair of
shears into piece of cloth, we do not
know. The young lady made no reply,
but mischievous smile fitted over he,
face. and silence followed, unbroken
save by the vengeful snap of the shears
as they closed over the cloth, and the
loud tick of the clock in the corner.
Suddenly Aunt Jerusha peered ont of
the window. Look, Minerva Jene,
amt them the Carpenter girls going by 2
ros, was me Iaconlc reply. "Do you
see bow they are dres sed They came
sailing into church during prayer time
last Sunday looking like peacocks. l
watched them down the aisle clear to
their seats. They wore green silks,
velvet coats, and their bonnets looked
like flower gardens. noticed their furs
in particular they were new and fash
ionable. Much cause they have to be
proud. should thiak glance at home
would lower their feathers some But
here comes Mrs Baker! Oh dear She
is regular gossip, and we shall have to
listen to her yarns all TIE afternoon.
What bore che is !" A vigorous knock
at the door was followed by the en-
trance of the lady in question. Aunt
Jerusha rose with a beaming face to
greet her. "My dear Mrs. Baker how
do you dol l was just thinking abont
you. Lay aside your things and spend
the afternoon Minerva Jane, bring out
the rocking chair for Mrs. Baker" The
two ladies were soon seated with their
sewing. and Aunt Jerusha asked
"Have you seen Mrs. Nash recently :?
wonder if her hus band is as bad as
ever l declare that woman has time
of it. Is'pose you know he stole the
pork from Mr. Brien's cellar few week
ago I" "Yes heard of it" Have
you seen Mrs. Slocum riding with the
young doctor" "To be sure; some
folks say he's her cousin, but | don't
believe it." "Well now, l do say" re-
piled Aunt Jerusha. 81 don't SANDER my
n-ighbors; but tnat's pretty doings, any
how. Did you ever hear what wild
girl she was before she was married 7
My sisters husbands cousin used to
know her, and che said she was perfectly
independent didn't care what folks said
about her. But [ suppose you have
heard Of Mr.. Estes failure For my
part don't wonder at it, his wife was
so extravaganti you've no idea how
much waste there was in that house :;
I'm not surprised that her husband failed
They say he drinks; should think
Mrs. Smith would feel dreadful bad to
have Susan marry him they re engaged,
I'm told | wouldn't have him courting
Minerva Jane for anything but then
Susan amt any better than she should
be; don't slander my neighbors, but l
must cay | should not want daughter
of mine doing as she does. Why Mrs.
Baker, you amt putting up your work /;
do stay till after tea well, if you can't
good bye; come again soon. There !!
il amt relieved continued Aunt Jer-
usha, as the door closed upon the de-
parting guest. "Did you ever hear a
woman go on 80 about her neighbors I?
The idea of slan'lering every body as she
does to be sure l have to talk with her
when she's here; but mercy knows L
don't slander my neighbors.
The same Gcd who included out the
sun and stars, watches the flight of in
sects. He who balanced the clouds, and