The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1872-11-14
A Woman that never slanders her Neighbors.

"Mercy knows" said Aunt Jerusha, as she
settled herself in her small rocking chair, and
wiped her steel bowed specks on her apron be-
fore placing them astride her nose, mercy
knows never slandered my neighbors; I've
enough to take care of my own affairs. Now
there is Dorothy Ann-always knows just what
every one has on at church. The idea of look
ing at peoples dress in church! But that is
some folks failings. We all have our failings,
l s'pose," and sigh finished the sentence.
Whether this harangue was addressed to the
world in general, or was for the especial bene-
fit of tall young lady seated at table near
by, inserting pair of shears into piece OF
cloth, we do not know. The young lady made
no reply, but mischievous smile filtered over
her face, and a 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 out of the window. "Look, Minerva
Jane-ain't them the Carpenter girls going byT'
eyes," was the laconic answer. "Do you see
how they are dressed ! They came sailing into
church during prayer time last Sunday, looking
like peacocks. I watched down the aisles clear
to their seats. They wore green silks, velvet
coats. and their bonnets looked like, flower gar.
dens. I noticed their fnrs in: particular !; they
were new and fashionable. Much cause they
have to be proud! should think 8 glance at
home would lower their feathers some. Bat
here comes Mrs. Bakerl o, dear, she is a reg
ular gossip, and we shall have to listen to her
long yarns all the afternoon. What bore she
isP5 A vigorous knock at the door was fol-
lowed by the entrance of the lady in question
Aunt Jerusha rose with abeamingface to greet
her. "My dear Mrs. Baker, how do you do!
I was just thinking about you. Lay aside your
things and spend the afternoon. Minerva Jane
bring out the rocking chair for Mrs. Baker. y
The two ladies were seated with their sewing
and Aunt Jerusha asked:
"Have you seen Mrs. Ease recently? won.
der if her husband is as bad as ever? 1 declare
that woman has time of it." 81 s'pose, you
know he stole the pork from Mr.. Brien's cellar
few weeks ago? ?" eyes, heard of it,
'sHave you seen Mrs. SIocum riding with the
Young doctor7" "To be sure; some folks says
he's her cousin, but don't believe it," "Well
now, 1 do say" replied Aunt Jerusha, Il don't
slander my neighbors but that's pretty doings
anyhow. Did you ever hear what wild girl
she was before she was married? My sisters
husbands cousin used to know her, and. she
said she was perfectly independent; didn't care
what folks said about her. But suppose you
have heard of Mr.. Estes faiiure?" For my
part Q0n' Z WOnuer dI IL, uis .Wito Wdo oo GA
travagant; you've no idea how much waste
her, husband failed. They say he drinks;
should think Mrs. Smith would feel dreadful
bad to have Susan marry him; they're en-
gagged, I'm told. I wouldn't have him courting
Minerva Jane for anything but; then, Susan
amt any better than she should be; DOM
slander my neighbors, but 1 must say should
not want daug ghter- of mine doing as she does
Why, Mrs. Baker, you putting up your work
do stay till after tea Well, if you can't, good
bye; come again soon. Therel if I amt re-
lieved," continued Aunt Jerusha, as the dool
closed upon the departing guest. "Did you
ever hear woman 60 on so about her neigh
bors? The idea of slandering everybody as
she does; to be sure, 1 have to talk with hel
when she's here, but mercy knows don't SLAM
der my neighbors."