Year: 1862

apparently enjoying tbemsciFes IN 2
verv socisble and agreeable manner
Some taking over the events oil tn
past week, some discussing then nevs o
the day, others listlessly reclining oI
the grassy ground, gazing Al ever
young lady who passed By. while not
few we're eagerly gazing in the direction
from which the new comers we're ex
pected to approach. such . though
ss the non-sttends6es.e the Uesteiie
.eFer ones scr6rrsd % thssz snd anti
| the minister. Parson Gaston. .arrived
took bis stand, cleared up bis throat
adjusted his snowy collar, took out I
huge bandsna from the rear pocket o
his venerable clswhammer, and then
after taking somewhat minute survey
of the congregation. blew his nose with
8 trumpet tone, replaced his hsndker
chief and began the morning seryict
By giving out the familiar old hymn


"Come ye that love the Lord" DC.


About this time it occurred to the
minds of some of the young gentle
men, who had remained as outsiders
until this period, that they we're doomed
to disappointment, and began seriously
questioning within themselves whether
the strangers really intended to attend
church that morning or not, and at last
with an air Of disappointed curiosity
they one by one entered the church and
took their seats. After prayer the text
was given out. which received as little
attention as the long dry sermon which
followed it; the thoughts Of the congre-
CATION seemed to be far away from di-
vine service. The Parson could not
help thinking to himself that the sing
ing was not so melodious, or the atten-
ton Of the congregation SO fixed as
usual, but the good man attributed the
cause more to his own lack Of spiritual
feelings than the disinterest Of bis hear
ers.


The meeting was at length concluded,
and so eager was the young folks to
quit the scene Of their disappointment.
that in ten minutes there was no one
left on the ground but group Of ell
derby members clustered together in
conversation. But we will leave them
to find their way home as best they can.
and for the present follow an in:eres-
ting group of young folks as they stroll
leisurely on toward their homes.


Just at the edge Of the smoothe lawn
at the foot of Rose Hill stood a large,
comfortable looking white frame house.
and toward this the merry group wen
ded their way. They seemed engaged
in some very interesting conversation,
and as they have some distance to GO
before they reach Mr.. Elmer's home,
flor such was the name of the gentle
man who occupied the frame) We will
not lose such favorable opportunity
of describing the three foremost ladies,
The first was a tall, trim looking old
maid. who, to Judge from appearances.
had seen the SHOWS of some thirty win
ters. She was neither beautiful nor
decidedly ugly. She had a sort oil
forbidding air which kept even her
most intimate friends at proper dis
tance, which perhaps will account for
her single mode Of life. She was a
blonde, pale blue eyes, low unmeaning
forehead. and long slim neck, made
up the appearance Of this lady. who
was counted a kind of leader among
the young folks of the neighborhood.
She was cunning and sagacious in all
things, and ever ready to give her ad-
vice on any and all occasions.


The second lady appeared to be
about eighteen years of age. rather
slightly formed; she had a face mos;
strikingly beautiful, large dark eyes,
small rosy mouth, and jetty wavy
clusters of glossy hair fell low over her
white forehead and faultless.neck. Her
name was Bessie Lakes, and that of he,
companion, Sarah Curtis.


The third and last of this interesting
trio was Caroline Elmer, lovely cir
of fifteen, whose golden curls, blue
eyes. and plump full form. bore stri
king contrast TO that of her last named
companion.


The group reached the house, and
all were still talking. The discourse
was on the Desteiles; some said they
would give fortune for a glimpse a
the strangers; others vowed they wer,
nuns and friars, and so the converse
ten ran, until Sarah Curtis declared
she would bear it no longer, and woult
make call on the Desteiles if any on,
would accompany her. Carrie gail,
proffered her company, saying il ther
was a sight to be seen she wanted Il
see it, and both of the girls in full dress
Carrie waving her leghorn hat in the al
and tossing her sunny eurls. and Saral
the very type Of neatness. arrayed in
cold blue delaine, starched linen collar
pink sunbonnet and yellow apron, Sc
off on their accommodating expedition
fully determined to make use of bot
eyes and ears in the exploration of ey
cry corner and erevice of Pigeon Hal
i CHAPTER II.


Search not for silly pastime,


For fear the charmer's snare


| Might Irvine you in its gilded folds,


And hold you captive there.