Year: 1873

"Did 1 like her?' "Was she rich ?? &c
To all of which 1 replied as courteously a'
possible, not wishing to commit myself. Bu
was able to give satisfactory answers; tor
had every reason to suppose I would soor
love Mary dearly. One Of my most "anxiou'
enquirers" Was Miss Nancy Turner, the spin
ster of our neighborhood. have lived long
enough to know that every neighborhood ha
its spinster; but, nevertheless, must describe
ours.


Miss Nancy was tall and angular in ap
pearance, and invariably wore the most cork
screw of curls on each side of her face. These
together with an immense head-dress, gave
her the semblance of high tree, which hao
been denuded of all its branches, excepting
few bushy boughs at the top. She wore tht
shortest of skirts, and affected youthfulnes
in her style of dress that would have done
credit to schoolgirl of fifteen. She greatly
preferred talking With gentlemen, as she wa
certain Of being appreciated by them. The
intellects of the women of the present day
were not sufficiently cultivated to enable then
to comprehend-as she expressed 1.-THE
Examinations of her mind"


Before proceed, will say that it is no
my intention to speak slightingly of the sis
terhood but in spite ofmy admiration for tht
state of single blessedness, I am obliged tt
confess that there are some individual cases II
which all the disagreeable attributes, usually
ascribed to "old maids seem to be concen
trated. O,u Miss Nancy Turner was stri
king exempliication of that class.


After enquiring most particularly as to th'
appearance and character Of the bride, sh'
added


"How do you like the idea Of giving up you
place as mistress of the house, Matte 7?


"I have never thought of it," [ replied.


"Then you do not intend to. That's right
like to see sisters show some spirit this thing
of giving up all to any baby-faced girl tina
a brother chooses to bring home is something
that would not stand But what did sh'
say when you told her you were still to b.
considered at the head of afairs?"


was glad to have an opportunity of re
plying; for Miss Nancy had spoken loue
enough for all who we're near to hear, and
felt sure that in day or two her opinion
would be circulated through the neighborhooe
as mine, and it would be reported that john
wife and myself were avowed enemies.


"You are entirely mistaken, Miss Nancy
said I. "The subject of who is to be mistress
here has never been mentioned between us, be
cause I thought it unnecessary. My brother
wife is at the head of this establishment, ant
as it gives Nellie and myself great pleasure tt
consider her in that light we would not hav'
it otherwise"


"Oh you need not be offended, Matte; nj
one minds what say, you know l am sor
ry you are going to put child to manag
what you, with your age and experience, cal
scarcely do. I suppose you understand yor;
affairs better than I do but mark my wordt
you will repent of it before long"


"Repent of what, Miss Nancy"


"Why of giving up everything, and becom
ing dependent on your brother and his wifi
for your support. Poor Nellie I wonde
how she will stand it."


I was now thoroughly annoyed, and tool
no pains to conceal it, as I replied


"Nellie and myself are both competent t.
decide what is best for u.s. There is no pros
pect of our suffering in the future"


"Oh! yes, Matte, know you are plenty
old enough to know what you ought to DO
but then even old people make mistakes
sometimes"


I felt very much tempted to say "as is thu
case with yourself, at present." but l knew
any annoyance l might show, would be at
tributed to her remark about my age. So
turned off without speaking, and felt greatly
relieved when saw John and Mary approach
ing.


1 was standing by Mary, when Mrs. Lewi
and her daughter were announced. The doo
was no sooner opened than Henrietta Lewis
darted forward, and, to our great surprise, EN-
braced Mary in the most atfectionate manner
saying


"You dear creature! The idea Of your no
letting us know you were going to marry MIR
Leslie, after our being so intimate l an
perfectly delighted to see you"


Mary was evidently astonished at th'
warmth of Miss Lewis manner, and l though
returned her greeting rather coldly. Th'
conversation became general but soon saw
that Miss Henrietta had something behind th'
scenes for Marys benefit She seemed anx
ious to have kte.d.tste with her; but Mary
was apparently just as anxious that she shoule
not do so. suppose she concluded it wa
unnecessary to attempt to say anything con
fdentially, as I was sufficiently near to heal
every word. Turning to Mary she said


"The last time saw you, l little though
I should ever meet you in this part of tht
world"


"Why not" said Mary; II do not under
stand you"


"Oh you know you were engaged to YOU
cousin Richard, then, and we were all making
our arrangements to visit you at his house.


There was something in the tone in which
this last remark was made, which induced MI
to turn toward the speaker. She was looking
at Mary with a sweet smile on her lips; bu
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