The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1895-05-09

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k%Is5 lEMN in visits to the sick or pool
~ ~ of the neighborhood. Theil
~ ~ youth had slipped away long
~ ~ ago, but gently, without re.
>G u gret to mar minds or faces.
NA They were diffident, almost
timid in manner. Though
styles changed, their gowns were the same
they dressed their hair after fashion oi
early days, Mary in ringlets on either side
her face, Anna in curls on the nape of her
neck. Mary's hair was darker, her eyes
gray, the lineseabout her mouth deeper.
She piqued herself upon seniority, liking
well TO exert a gentle authority.
They were considered the cream of village
aristocracy; nothing was so fine as their
bonnets and their musical performance.
Aspirants to the social privileges of the
place were measured by these standards of
New Market excellence. So exalted was
the position not altogether claimed by them
selves, but thrust upon them, that the gal
lants of the place, if they adored, were fain
TO do so at distance. No one had ever ap-
preached nearer 10 Mary, but there are those
who yet remember The beginning of Anna's
one romance, which was in this wise:
Toward the LAST of May the annual straw
berry festival was held. 1t was an ccca-
busy for a week preparing decorations and
bringing plans to order. There were cake,
confectionery and ice-cream tables, floral
| bower, a postofffce, Jacobs well, and that
time-honored institution, the grabbing. Ac-
cOrding to village etiquet, never trans
gressed, matrons of highest standing led by
the Rev. Mrs. Smyser, had charge of the
table first named daughters of these ladies
filed positions next in honor, less favored
maidens presided at the well and few for
tunate younger ones had charge of the grab
bag.
In the short Spring evenings they met TO
make garlands wreaths, etc, for the days
of colored paper decorations were not. Ce-
dar, pine and green things torn from the
May glory of the woods were heaped at the
church door yards of garlands wound for
walls and pulpit, wreaths made to be
pended belew the gallery and in the deep
windows, wonderful bower of greenery for
Flora, fragrant masses heaped in corners
until at length all was done and the poor
ends of sacrificed verdure cleared from the
floor.
The festival opened to the New Market
public Tuesday evening early. Peonies,
roses, snowballs, mock-orasge lilac, and all
sweet old-fashioned flowers were stuck
among the garlands and disposed in stiff
bouquets down the long tables. There were
cakes innuwerable, not to speak Of candies
in net bags, cut after the fashion of boots
and stockings, and glass bowls of strawber-
ries heaped in red pyramids, mingled en-
trancing odors with the fragrance of flowers
aud cedar. Over the pulpit was a triumph
of artistic skill" Welcome" in cardboard
letters neatly covered with box leaves. All
l. ~
scoBes polished for the occasion and con-
signed with many instructions TO Mrs.
Snyser's care. New Market declared an
nuslly there had never been anything so
fine.
Into this splendor, DR.. Farrell with kindly
patronage ushers his daughters. Anna had
persensted Flora since her 10th year; so
Iseehly lad she wern her heners that no one
after the lapse of decade suggested their
resignation to a younger goddess. She
wore a wreath of snowballs and roses and
white gown, with prim little bouquet
at her breast Her face showed no record
OF &c years. In her life there had never
been one great sorrow-one great JOY. She
had never known an ambition unsatis-
fed, hope unfulfilled. There was only the
response Of sweet and gentle nature
They were met with Difference by the
Rev. Mr.. Smyser begging to introduce Mr..
Ivan Took, who had not anticipated the
honor of meeting the goddess Flora in per-
SOM
Dir. Took made happy reply, and had
the pleasure of conducting Anna to her
bower where he invested in bouquets quite
recklessly, buyiDg all the snowballs and
pink roses. Afterward he proposed prone
made, and they walked around the room
times iBnu nierable, rs is the fashion at
strawberry festivals in that country, even
unto this day. They made manv invest
nents in the grab-bag, from which they
drew two small tin plates, a skillet, jointed
doll, and wooden chair Over ice cream
and berries Anna expressed the hope that
the visitor was pleased with New Market.
"Oh, very much pleased-very much. ]
came but yesterday, and since this evening
have thought seriously Of spending more
time here"
" 1t is not always as gay as this" said
Anna.
"Gaye 1t would not matter. / do not
care about gayety. i might take up the
ology; at least, look into the subject /
could read with Mr. Smyser ! don't know
much Of theology, never thought about it;
but a man doesn't know what he's fit for
until be tries different things"
Father says Mr.. Smyser is a person Of
intelligence. There are some things-but
then my father knows so much. 1t is wrong
to judge everyone by him, even though Mr..
Smyser is n minister, isn't it?"
g suppose il is ! studied medicine at
one time; got as far as my second year"
Indeed?"
81 found ont in time that never would
be willing to devote my life TO the practice
Of medicine. Took up law afterward, but
there were things in law-well. gave that
up before had committed myself"
Father had brother who was lawyer
he died"
After that I thought OF a mercantile
career, but those lODg-legged stools are un-
comfortable and figures are dry"
90, very. j had so much trouble at
school. Miss Parke never could teach me
arithmetic. But," taking up the last berry
on her plate, i DO not think anyone here
has had suci,-such-wid experienced
Mr.. Took flushed with pleasure at finding
himself appreciated:
"You flatter me. i really know very
little, but / thought about theology. 1t
might be of service some day / once
thought Of going out as missionary to the |
South Sea Islands. In case the idea should !
recur and ! conclude to try it, theology
would stand me in good stead"
1t is noble work; people who 60 must |
be very good and devoted. Now | must |