The star. (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1874-1875, 1875-05-04
Useful, Or Ornamental.


Useful, Or Ornamental.
"Kitty never had soul above dust
ing-cloth," said Mrs. Milford, scornluliy.
"Louise Is the genius of the family"
Captain Glare looked curiously at the
two girls, sitting in the shade of the ivy
mantled porch without.
Louise Milford was tall, and fair, and
blooming. Kitty was dark, and little,
and piquant. Louise wore her hair in
long, loose curls, which had a CLEAN Of
FURNISHED gold in their curves. Kitty's
dark, chestnut braids were secured at
the back of her head by an old.fashioned
shell comb which had belonged to grand
mother Milford halt century ago.
Louise, robed in a plain-blue muslin,
with sky-colored ribbons at the throat,
was reading volume of poems, while
Kitty, in madder-red calico, and white
frilled apron, engaged herself in the task
of shelling peas for the twelve O'Clock
dinner.
"They are unlike" said Captain Glare.
"But they are both pretty girls, too.'
Mrs. Milford nodded her head with
true maternal complacency.
"Ohl yes," said she, "they are pretty
enough. Louise is like my family
Kitty is. clear Milford. Kitty is just ex.
aotly the pattern, as often tell her, for
a farmers wife,"
HELL be lucky farmer" good-na.
turedly interposed Captain Clare, as he
took snuff from an old-fashioned tor.
toise-shell box, clasped with silver.
"But," went on Mrs. Milford, in q
mysterious whisper, "Louise has expec-
tations. Louise is born to shine in any
society,""
ttEt -, c,s+o;,, CIoro .ox;donfIr found
himself at a loss to comprehend the
meaning of his hostess.
"Did you ever hear about her Uncle
Farquhart2 Uncle Farquhart who mar
ried my poor dear sister, UrsulaW
81 knew thore was such person."
| said Captain Glare, bluntly.
stately returned from 1ndia," said
Mrs. Milford. "Oceans Of money-and
whims and eccentricities to match. AND
one adopted nephew, heir to his wealth
whom he intends for LOUISE"
"Upon my wordW said Captain Glare.
"He has written to me-" confdentially
nodded Mrs. Milford. "We have had
this match in view ever since dear
Louise was a child. We have exchanged
letters innumerable."
"Quite like a romance" said the cap.
tain, not knowing exactly what else to
sOhi quite. / have had Louise edu
Gated with special reference to the posi-
tion in lite she will be called upon tc
fill. French, fower-painting, the guital
Everything, in fact, which appertaint
to the education of lady moving in oul
best society,""
"Humphl" said Captain Glare. "Ant
what has Kitty been doing all thi'
timew
"Oh, Kitty! That's quite differen
thing. Kitty's education has been sub
stantial enough, but what does she wan
of accomplis hments? She fs q smart lit
tie housekeeper - understands jellies
jams, and all that sort of thing. Ant
that is quite enough for the station sh'
is likely to occupy"
| "Humphw grunted the captain, again
| "But look here-you didn't tell me yol
were going to have companyW
accompany! don't understand youp
| explained Mrs. Milford.
THERE'S the depot-carriage coming VI
the lane under the hill, with big trunl
behini," said the sharp-sighted cap
tain.
II declare!o cried Mrs. Milford. "so
it is! And it must be Uncle Farquhart
alreadyl Dear mel Dear mel And
didn't expect him until week fron
Saturday. And Frank Churchill witt
him, as true as my name is Prudence
white muslin with the embroidered
founoes, and sit down to the piano, an
practice tThe Maiden's Prayer"
"But. mamma" demonstrated the as
tonished Louise.
"Quickl Do as tell you'll And Kitty
run out to the poultry-y ard, catch a fin
fat broiler for dinner--two If you can-
| and make one of those delightful Chal
lotte Russes for dessert. And open tn
best room windows, and get out tn
double damask tabie-cloth, and bu
you'll know what to do. Kitty. only d
pray hurry as fast as you camp
The speed inculcated by the mate
familias was so rapidly carried out tha
by the time the depot-hack rumbied u
to the door, Miss Louise was seated pt
at the 'Maiden's Prayer" and Mrs. Mi
ford standing in the porch, clad i
smiles and her best black silk dres
READY to welcome the new arrival.
"RalloW said Uncle Farquhart, wh
had not seen his sister-in.law in twent
years. "Good-morning. Hope your
Iwell. And this is Louise, l suppose p'
| Louise rose from the piano, and ran
kiss her uncle.
"Pretty girl, pretty girl" said Uuc
Farquhart, exactly as II he were speal
| ing Of book Of engrayings or stat
:. cite. sand where's t'other one?'
eKitty is our housekeeper," said Mr.
Milford, beamingly. "Kitty is engage
, in preparing the dinner"
sand isn't Louise housekeepers
,, demanded Mr.. Farquhart brusQuely.
"La, unclew giggled Louise.
"Louise is all accomplishments--a
Igenius," said Mrs. Milford, proud
Sshe composes poetry, and sketcht
from Naturew
"Ohl Does shea" said Uncie Farq
hart.
81 have never required any meni
services from Louise" added Mrs. M
I ford.
aCan she make shtrtp -.
"No=-but she embrqiders Point
Veaiss tides beautitpiyp .''.-