Claiborne guardian. [volume] (Homer, La.) 1877-188?, 1880-05-05


companion, for her more volatile
sisters. She dressed tastefully, AZ
did they all; moved with composed
grace through a systematic ronnd
of daily duties; was her fathers
pride, the mothers helper, and no,
IL whit less popular in her circle
than If she had been both wit and
beauty, whereas she was neither.
lmogen was tar handsomer, a de
cided blonde, while Emma had gray
eyes and dark hair. The second
daughter liked to set of her fair.
ness by all UNSUITABLE aud lady. like
appliances of art and fashion, and
knew how to .lo it. She was never
fiorld or conspicuous in appearance,
We; never en deshabille in the sim.
piest attire. Her clothes became q
part of her SO soon as she put them
on. a few touches of her delft fin,
gers brought fitness out of disorder;
added the nameiess, inestimable air
We term "style,' for the want of a
filter word, to whatever she touched
or wore. y very busy bee she was
in her way, with a mania for reno.
waiting her own paraphernalia and
that of everybody else who would
allow her the privilege; giving to
the parlOrs, which were her special
charge, a new aspect every day by
the variety of her elegant devices.
Blanche-eighteen and just "out,'
was petite in figure, with light, fluff
fy hair, dancing blue eyes and small
white teeth that somehow made
more arch her merry smile. She
was the pet and the mischief. maker
of the household, affectionate aud
folicSomc, with innumerablc tricksy,
yet dainty ways that belonged only
to herself; quick of wit and fearless
of tongue, and facile in hand as
lmogen, her room. mate and con.
federate in all her schemes of pleas.
ure or work.
emma lays the foundation;
lmogen builds thereupon. Mine is
the ornamental department-the
Guessing over and decking, after the
scaflOld is down." she had once
said.
The mother recalled it, now,
them as with unsealed
eyes, and was confirmed in the res.
olutions which were the fruit of her
evenings musings.
Away to bed, magpies!" she said
at length, 81 won't hear a word
more! And unless you 60 soon, you
will not be down in season to re.
count your adventures and con.
quests to papa at breakfast. He
himself an ill.used person
when he has to 60 off without get.
ting the evenings report. More.
over, | want you to have your
brains steady and clear, for | must
have long business talk with you
tomorrow forenoon
"Business! that sounds pOrten.
tentous,' said Imogen, in affected
at sounds entransing!" comment
ed Blanche. 1t savoreth of new
dresses, and, perchance, jewe1ry-
per-adventure, though that is a bold
flight of fancy, of a trip across the
sea next summer
"Nothing has gone wrong, hope,
mOtherT Queried Emma.
"Nothing at all, my dear Lady
rhoughttul,' was the smiling reply.
"Dear Lady Owl, you meanw
cried saucy Blanche, and she went
of singing
And what says the old gray owli
To Who'll To whor
"Happy children" Mrs. Hitler
heaved confidential sigh to the
fire that had shone on the young
faces a moment ago. 'Wili what |
have to tell them make them less
happy or gay' Is mine, after all,
the needless croak of the owl in.
stead of wise warningfr
The thought pierced her again,
next day, when they met in her
eager and curious, their
eyes and cheeks unmarried by the
moderate dissipation of the pre-
,eding night. But she stood fast
20 her purpose; unfolded her
scheme in bulk and detail, with the
assured tone of one who had con-
'idered the cost to the last tar
hing. She was not accounted an
eccentric woman by her acquaint-
inces, but her proposal was novel,
md, to her listeners, startling.
Their days of schoOl.study were
over, she reminded them. 1t was
line that upon the foundation of
general information thus laid should