The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1883-06-20
How Mrs. Trask Got Acquainted.

How Mrs. Trask Got Acquainted.
at declare, I've half a mind never to
enter the First Church again as long as |
live" Mrs. Trask exclaimed Indignantly,
as she threw her gloves on the bureau,
and gave a savage jerk to her bonnet
strings.
"Why, what new revelation has brought
YOU to such decision in regard to the
First Church ?" asked her husband.
Have your sharp eyes detected some
architectural flaw, rendering the struc-
ture unsafe, or is the minister found
wanting in eloquence, or guilty of apos-
tssy ?"
"Neither, 80 far az | know; the build
ing is very beautiful and commodious,
and 1 greatly enjoyed Mr.. Matthew's
preaching. But the people They are
like animated icebergs--so naughty and
distant, shall never feel at home among
them"
at must seem very odd and lonely to
you, my dear, coming as you did from
church where we had so many warm
friends" was the sympathetic answer;
with each other" he added. " Perhaps
C16y QOu kUOW Judb We are ontuO opl all
gers, and waiting for an introduction"
"They will have to continue waiting,
for we have no one to introduce us. For
my part, think uniting with the church
ought to be sufficient recommendation
and introduction for its members to greet
each other with friendly word"
az think SO too, and see nothing i'm
proper in your setting good example
by being the first to speak. I saw that
fne-looking woman that sat in front of
US last Sunday introducing herself, and
noticed abe met with a most cordial re-
ception."
eyes but allow me to suggest that
the elegance of her apparel had much to
do with the warmth of her reception.
What seems a graceful condescension in
silk and velvet, would be regarded as an
impertinent demand for recognition in
plain cashmere"
"Perhaps 80. I know the feminine
code of etiquette is terribly severe; but
thought perhaps it might be somewhat re-
Taxed within the pale of the church.
However, such peculiar rule must have
equal force in all directions. am sure
it would be quite safe for you to speak to
the lady who sits with her children di-
rectlv opposite u.s."
"What The woman with the plaid
shawl and the funny-looking, homemade
bonnet |" exclaimed Mrs. Trask, disdain-
fully. "Really, don't know that am
particularly anxious to make her acquaint-
ance."
"Ahem I'm afraid all the pride OF
First Church is not enrolled in silk and
velvet" was her husbands reply.
Mrs. Trask colored guiltily as she en-
deavored to explain her position.
"You know, Frank, that l am moi
greatly influenced by style of dress, OF
even wealth in the selection of my friends
I could easily overlook the homemade
bonnet, but the face beneath it wal
neither intelligent nor refined enough fol
me to consider her an acquisition, even te
my present limited circle"
"And yet you might be valuable &C
QUESTION to her circle" MIR. Trask sale
earnestly cher face was kindly and de
noted strength of character, and the &C
craftsmanship and and help of one WHIT
had been blessed with superior advantage
might improve its expression materially
IA the good taste and cunning fingers o
Madam Arnold would that of the objec
tionable bonnet. l think, my dear, tina
we should seek to minister, rather than b
ministered unto-to give freely, even q
we have received"
~ am sure think we give all that W
are able to-" Mrs. Trask replied, purposel
misconstrr;ng her husbands words-sh
had sometimes thought him little to
liberal, considering his small salary.
."Perhaps we do our duty so far q
money is concerned, although l am nc
sure even as to that; but people are ofte
very liberal with money, yet selfish an
niggardly in the sharing of their MOI
precious treasures. We know that
domestic life, unselfsh love, not wealt
is the prime requisite of happiness. III
model family is one where each inmate {
the household contributes generously h
best gifts for the good of all the res
The father environs it with his protectir
care and mature wisdom; the halo of
mothers thoughtful love and tender syr
pathy rests upon it; scholarly elder sc
brings the advanced ideas and knowledI
gained from books his sister the lit
graces and refnements of society.
one has been given the voice of song, al
the home is made to resound with mus
while the dark shadows are driven avn
by the ready wit of another.
"Such, believe, should he the chur
of Christ Only larger family, whe
each and every member brings his in,
vidual gifts and lays them freely upon
altar. The man endowed by his Max
with persuasive eloquence, or inanc
ability, has no right to keep these taller
solely for the use of the political caucus
counting-room. The woman that has
joyed superior advantages of educati
and culture, should seek to help those "
have been less fortunate. Every int
lectual gift or social attainment should
brought to bear in the right directi
The sweet voice, the sympathetic tear,
merry laugh, all have place and q gra
work to do in the elevation of society q
the advancement of Christ's kingdom