The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1889-01-10

fofued btf. but hrF ofttnA"' es"~ ~
cheerful disposition von her nAay friends
aside from sympsthy ior her rn'siorsu1es.
\ The Peters ismilr neat e.,ac with an
axkward cir Mr. Peters seated himself.
crossed his isgA aud with loud "AhemF
/ folded lis hands OVER his knees and rocked
back in his char, Mira. Peters was array
"a 10 40 aucient dress Of woolen goods ia
large plaid. and was constantly watching
the tso boys. The twin faces of Tom aud
Tim. which couli hardly be distinguished
from each other. even by their parents.
had been scrubbed uc,il The skin looked
thin and shiny on the ends Of the nose
chin and other points 81 projection, while
their coarse hair had bsen vet and manip'
ulated With comb and brush until II look.
cl a. though II hsd been frozen siiiiiy in
place.
The deacon soon drew Mr.. Peters into
couversstion on the weather. price OF cat
tie, the fsll Of crops, etc, until be. began
10 feel more at ease, while bis good wife
found checkers and dominoes for the boys
to play quiei games. In which Alice with
ready tsct joined. and TINS addsd to their
enjoy ment and relieved the anxious mind
Of Mrs. Peters from motberly supervision.
Dick Chapman 10 his best, well woro
but carefully brushed suit, aud old fash
ioned stove. pipe hat next came, and tried
hard TO appear at ease, Last OF all came
Mrs. Rowland, whose sad. sweet face could
not fail to attract even the casual observer
She had scarcely removed her bonnet and
wrap, aud seated herself among the guests
before Samantha. Caring at her over the
tops Of her spectacles, exclaimed declare
fort, Miss Rowland, how gray you bel
Mrs. Rowland flushed at the rude re-
mark, but deisnei no reply. Mrs. Crane
looked at Samantha with an expression
helpless and appealing, as though every
nerve in her structure had been shocked
while Mrs. Peters looked awkward. aud
Alice sent hslfindigpant, half amused
glance al Samanthas homely face.
But Mrs. Wilkinson tried to soften the
rough edges in her pleasant way, by say.
ing: II James hair has changed at all,
I'm sue it is more becoming than ever;
wish could arrange my hair one half as
tasty as you DO, Jane,
I've allus noticed that hair that covers
"A 10 painru1 aplqr the |
longest, piped old Dick Chapman, with
solemn face, but casting sly wink at the
deacon and Mr.. Peters.
Now II there was any thing that Saman-
tha Perkins took personal pride in, 1t
was 10 the fact that her hair retained its
natural color, despite the many winters
that had rolled over her. II her face was
homely and her form ungainly, while Wild
ow Rowland was called handsome by ev-
cry body, here at least she-Samantha Per.
kins had the advantage; for while on the
shady side of co. she hadn'ta single gray
hair 10 her head.
Justst this unpleasant juncture suprer
was announced. which turned the atten
ton OF all upon q more interesting subject
aud while Dick Chapman. who had vein
of bupor iu his nature, got of some good
Jokes, Samantha did not deign to laugh
with the rest n response, but ignored him
entirely.
The table with its savory contents was
truly inviting. There was the huge tur
kew --one OF Des Wilkinson's largest AID
fattest bronze gobblers Drowned just to
a turn, occupying the center, fanked by
roast pig OF appetizing dimensions and
appearance OH one side and huge chick
en- pie on the other; while surrounding at
convenient distances, were tempting
mounds of mashed turnip, potatoes and
golden squash osnamented with little is
lands Of pepper; dishes Of crisp bleached
celery, cranberry sauce, and jellies OF Mrs
Wilkinson's best skill, Then there was
the golden butter with the rose bud stamp
the light wheat bread, the darker rye, and
the sweet brown bread so wholesome and
delicious. to say nothing OF the sideboard
loaded with dessert Of Indian pudding, ar.
pie, mince and pumpkin pies that must be
tasted to be appreciated: beside the frost
ed loaf cake, crullers aud cookies that
made Tom s and Tins eyes fairly start
out OF their heads to look al, while the
nuts, raisins and apples very appropriately
fitted into their proper places aaong ih
dishes
1t WAS indeed a motley company thai
aad been invited, bnt with Mr.. Wilkin
sons admirable tact in seating. and direct
ing the course Of coYersatioD, and warding
off any arrows Of unpleasant personality
that might be sent from Samantha's bow
all we're made to ieel free to participate 10
the enjoyment OF the occasion.
Dick Chapman, 10 spite OF his merry |
Jokes, felt thrill OF conjunction ss old
Major limped into the room, and WINGED
as Samantha exclaimed: Isllers do bate
70 see lame things aroundl Why how IN
the would did he get so lame. Miss Will.
iusoni
Oh, he got bis leg broke spell ago. ~
piled Mrs Wilkinson, do take some more
OF that chicken pie, Samantha, aud some
celery TO go With 1t. it's new kind W. We
been raisin', aud 5amauths's mind was di
verted much 10 his relief.
Your riz cake is Just be utiful, Mrs.
Peters found courage TO say; i wish you'd
tell me your recipe for making il.
Tim touched Tom with his elbow 40
whispered loud enough for all TO hear.
wish 90 tool
Then ounce preserves Of your, Is dread
ful nice, said Samantha, who Ms the neil