such relations being always entitled to the preference to be scholars on each of such foundations, when of a proper age, and if such relations can be traced, and the said Trustees shall have the exclusive right and power of certifying the fact of descent, and right of eligibility. And 1 direct that for the admission of each boy, application shall be made to the said Trustees, three calendar months before he can be admitted upon any vacancy. And that the day of admission shall be the sixteenth of May in every year (being the anniversary of my birth day.) And I direct that no candidate shall be admitted, unless a physician and surgeon, to be appointed by said Trustees, shall certify to them after due examination, that such candidate is as to bodily health, fit for the life of a sailor. And I direct that as between different applicants for admission, the said Trustees or the major part of them, shall have the selection and choice, and that proximity of blood among persons of the sir name or being descendants from the said Tristram Coffin and Peter Coffin, respectively, shall not confer any right of preference. And I direct that adjacent to each school, a house should, if it be deemed expedient, be obtained by purchase or hiring on lease, and furnished for the residence of the Ship Master of each school. And I direct that the Ship Master for each school shall have the direction, care and superintendence of the said boys, on that foundation to which he shall be attached, and of their board and lodging and his board and lodging gratis in the same house. And I direct that the accounts of expenditure for board and lodging shall be submitted to the annual inspection of the Trustees, and that the Trustees (should there be occasion) may with the consent of the Visitors, remove any of the said Masters for misconduct or want of qualification. Item.-For promoting the welfare of the said establishment, I direct that for each of the said schools, a sloop of fifty tons, coppered and copper fastened, shall be built or provided at the expense of the establishment; combining strength, convenience, fast sailing, and durability; and furnished with bed places and all requisite conveniences for the scholars. And that the scholars of the Boston foundation shall be exercised in cruizing in Massachusetts Bay and the neighboring coast, from the tenth day of May to the tenth day of September in each year; by which means they will become excellent pilots, and they are to put into, and survey all the harbours from Passamaquoddy to Nantucket, and to trawl, and dredge, on every part of the coast, and on all occasions to try to discover the treasures of the deep; and to keep an accurate journal of their proceedings, and use their fishing lines of every kind, when opportunity may offer, and by keeping the body and mind in constant activity, they will prepare themselves for the arduous career incident to the life of a seaman. And they are not to lose any opportunity of making Astronomical and Nautical observations; the sloop to be caulked and kept in repair, in sails, rigging and hull, by the personal labor of the Master and Scholars, and to be called the "Seaman's Hope," carrying a white flag with a pine tree in the centre. And I direct, that the boys in the two first classes of each establishment shall be exercised two years in the sloop of such establishment prior to leaving school. And I direct that the sloop belonging to the Nantucket school shall cruise from Cape Cod one way to New-York, the other way trawling and dredging assiduously as the ground will admit, since I conceive many oyster beds may be discovered in Long Island Sound, and between Montauk Point and Sandy-Hook. And it is my further direction, that the boys of each school shall, from their entry to their departure, wear a blue jacket and trousers, of good cloth, of the second or third quality, with blue knit stockings of worsted, in Winter, and cotton in Summer; and shall have an Anchor on the right arm of red cloth; by which they may always be known and distinguished. And as the vessel may go into the Bay in severe weather, I direct that a competent number of great coats be provided, lined with baize made up of No. 4 canvass, and painted, and also foraging leather caps, to cover their heads, and with a small Anchor in front of each cap. Also that a boat be provided and hoisted up at any wharf in the vicinity of each school, at which permission may be obtained, and rowing twelve oars double banked, and having cork apparatus sufficient to float her when overset: and in that boat the two junior classes of each school shall be exercised, from the tenth day of May to the tenth day of September in each year; thus combining exertion with pleasure. And I direct that each of the scholars shall learn to swim, and each acquire a knowledge of the following trades or callings, that is to say: ship-building, caulking, rope making, mast making, block making, boat building, coopering, house carpenter's and joiner's work, baking, black smith's work, cutting out and making clothes, knitting, making nets of all kinds, mixing up paint and painting; the art of cooking in all its branches, the art of slaughtering animals with due economy, also of preserving meat by pickling, salting or smoking. I also direct that muskets be provided and kept up, to belong to each school; that the boys of the first class may be exercised by the Ship Master at such time as he may think most convenient, in firing at a mark; and such guns always to be cleaned and put by, by the scholars of the said class. And I direct that the scholars be taught the use of the back sword, the art of gunnery and firelock exercise, and be at liberty to amuse themselves at proper times, with athletic games; such as cricket, foot-ball, and wrestling, at the discretion of the Ship Master and Mathematical Master, one of whom is always to be in attendance on the scholars as their charge. And I will and direct that each boy shall be at his studies at five o'clock in the morning in the Summer, and six o'clock in the morning in the Winter, the scholars to be at breakfast at seven o'clock in Summer, and at eight o'clock in Winter, and Winter to be reckoned to commence from the first day of November and to end on the thirteenth day of April; the boys to dine at one o'clock in Summer, and to be allowed one hour and a half for the interval between school; to dine in Winter at one o'clock, and to be allowed one hour between school, and to have two half holidays in each week, commencing from one o'clock; the boys on the foundation who shall not have any relations in town, to be regulated as to their absence by the Ship Master; and all the boys to sup in Winter and Summer at eight o'clock, and be in bed by nine; their food to consist of rice, Indian meal, and bread, with milk, and molasses or sugar for breakfast; mutton, beef, pork, and fish, with potatoes and other vegetables and soup, according to the judgment of the Ship Master for dinner, and in such proportion as may be equal to the several wants of the boys, avoiding waste and profusion; the boys to have for supper, the same kind of food as for breakfast. Item.-I will and direct, that the said Trustees shall visit and examine the said school in Boston, at least four times a year, and oftener if they think proper, and I do request that the said Visitors join in such examination at least once a year; and I further authorize and request the said Visitors, to depute and appoint the respective school committees, or select men for the time being of the said Towns of Nantucket and Newbury-Port, or such other persons as the Visitors shall nominate, to make a like visitation and examination of the schools in those Towns respectively, and to report their observations to the said Trustees, in order that all defects in the course of discipline, and instruction, in the said three schools, may be discovered and corrected, and that such improvements may be made therein by the said Trustees and Visitors as they shall judge proper, not inconsistent with the general object and plan of the schools as expressed in this my will. And in case of the misconduct of any scholar, which cannot be sufficiently punished or repressed by the ordinary discipline of the school, the Trustees may on complaint by the Mathematical Master, or Ship Master, enquire into the same, and if they think proper, admonish the scholar, and on a second complaint they may sentence him to a short solitary confinement, and if this should prove ineffectual, such boy may be expelled, or any boy may be expelled in the first instance, for any aggravated offence that shows him to be wholly unworthy of enjoying the benefits of the school, and no boy once expelled shall ever be reinstated. time after sixty years, if he should so desire, or be required as aforesaid, with an annuity of fifty pounds for his life; the Drawing Master to be admitted at any age between twentyone and forty-five years, and may retire at, or at any time after sixty, if he should so desire, or be so required, with an annuity for his life of forty pounds per annum. Item.-Having suggested so far as my expenses enables me the requisites for forming a set of men who may be useful to my native country, my consideration has been to pro Master, that he was educated at Sir Isaac Coffin's School. And I direct that a proper book be kept by each Ship Mas ter by way of registry of the names of all the scholars, stating their ages and their respective proficiency in the sciences taught at each school. Such book, together with the plans and drawings of the boys who may excel, to be preserved in the library of the school. And it is my direction that the Ship Master of each school shall be thirty years of age before he shall be qualified to conduct the affairs of the establishment, and shall not be eligible after the age of fortyfive years, and that he may, if he think fit, or be required Item.-As the Lancasterian or Bell system of education by the Trustees, retire at any time after the age of sixty, has in most countries been found very beneficial, I should with an annuity for his life of fifty pounds sterling per anwish the schools to be regulated as nearly as possible on num; and that the Mathematical Master shall not be adthat plan, or any improvement thercon, and 1 direct that inmitted after the age of thirty years, and may retire at any each school, there may be four classes, and the boy most conspicuous for talent and proficiency in each class, to be placed at the head of that class as a Monitor. Each boy of the senior class to have a boy of the second class to instruct, and each boy of the second class to have one of the boys of the third class to instruct, and each boy of the third class to have a boy of the fourth class to instruct. By these regulations knowledge will be rapidly diffused, and the education of the young men sooner completed. I wish the boys to be in every respect as well qualified in mathematical and astro-vide the funds for establishing the said foundation. I have nomical knowledge, as the scholars at the Naval College at present standing in the names of the Trustees of my at Portsmouth, in England, are qualified, and to complete marriage settlement, which after the death of my wife, will the like plan as is observed in that Academy. And I will be part of my property, about seven hundred pounds a year and direct, that each Mathematical Master in addition to in the English funds, and in my own name six hundred his other qualifications should be competent to give lec- pounds a year in the funds in the United States and money tures on the several heads of Natural Philosophy, namely, and stock in the French funds; which sums may be more Pneumatics, Hydraulics, Optics, Mechanics, Electricity, or less; and I may considerably increase them in my life Astronomy, Geology, Geography, with the use of the globes, time. Should the income of the funds be adequate after and that a philosophical apparatus be provided at the ex-what is above disposed of, I direct that sums not exceeding pense of each establishment. And I direct that each school fifty pounds per annum, should be given to each of twelve should be provided with Rees' Cyclopedia, printed and aged and infirm Masters of Merchant Ships, who may be published in America, and a competent number of Books worn out and unable to support themselves, at Boston, which treat or may treat on professional matters. I direct Nantucket or Newbury-Port, giving the preference to the also that models of a Ship, Brig, Snow, Schooner and descendants of Tristram Coffin, and Peter Coffin, in the Sloop be provided in each school, and that the boys may male and female lines. And should there be any surplus be practised in rigging and unrigging the same during the fund after supporting and maintaining the aforesaid three Winter. And I recommend that ships be built near the establishments, and after paying the said annuities to the school, wherein the different trades enumerated for the boys said twelve aged and infirm Masters of ships, I direct that to learn may be taught. I also direct that Arrowsmith's Mer- the surplus be given by way of annual income for the maincators chart of the world, and spherical chart, together with tenance of the aged and infirm branches, members for the maps of the four quarters of the globe, should he hung up on time being of the Coffin family, from the said two stocks: springs in each school, so that ready access can be had to in such way and proportion as the said Trustees may the maps, and that a pair of globes should be provided for adjudge. each school. And I direct that when either of the said schools should be completed, and the boys of the senior class be about to leave it, an examination should take place touching their abilities, when all the select men and Magistrates, Captains and officers of the United States Navy residing in Boston, Newbury-Port or Nantucket, and respectable Masters of Ships should by public advertisement be invited to attend; and after such examination, I direct that each boy on leaving the school, should if merited have a mark of approbation, i. e. the first boy a silver medal, and I direct that the silver medal shall have engraved on one side a ship completely rigged, with a motto, "I aspire to command," and on the other side, "God is my guide," with a wreath of laurel and a sextant. The second boy a sextant; the third boy a quadrant; the fourth boy a case of mathematical instruments; the fifth boy a treatise on navigation; the sixth boy the book called A Coasting Pilot," or the best substitute for it; and if there be any more, the seventh boy a fishing line of sixty fathoms, with lead and six cod-hooks; the eighth a chest for his clothes; the ninth boy a Gunter's scale and pair of compasses; and each of the others, a jack-knife; each boy also to have a Bible, and a certificate signed by the Ship Master and the Mathematical Item.-I revoke all other wills made by me at any time heretofore, and I nominate, constitute and appoint, Jonathan Amory, and Henry Codman, both of said Boston, Esquires; William Appleton, Jonathan Amory, jr. Thomas Coffin Amory, Edward Gardener Davis, M. D., George Minet Dexter, William Davis Sohier, Edward William Bayne, and Thomas Amory Deblois, all of said Boston, Esquires, to be Executors of this my will and testament, and desire that all their expenses may be borne and paid out of my estate. In witness whereof, I have to this my will and testament, contained in eight sheets of paper, set my hand and seal (that is to say) my hand only to the first seven sheets, and my hand and seal to this the eighth and last sheet, this fourth day of September in the year of the reign of George the fourth, and in the year of our Lord one thousand (the rest torn off.) Signed, sealed, published and declared, by the said Testator as and for his last will and testament, in the presence of us, who at his request and in his presence, and also in the presence of each other, have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses. the practice were it necessary for him to do so. Before I left my couch, I heard the hoofs of "Tarlton"-named after "that old English scoundrel," as my uncle frequently remarks-amble past my window, and I was quite certain from this circumstance that day-light would soon appear. For several mornings past, I have been employed in putting the last touches to a drawing of the spring-housestanding as it does over a clear rivulet, and under the fostering patronage of a cluster of catalpas, a solitary cedar, and a Pride-of-India tree. My uncle more than once has pronounced it a master-piece; but with the fickleness of my sex, I have laid down my pencil for the quill, believing that I shall find more ample scope for the descriptive in the "simple annals" of those around me. It would be expecting too much from a woman, and a young one too, that she should not be egotistical. I make no promise of standing in the back-ground of the scenes in which others may figure. The orphan niece of a flourishing planter, who, herself, possesses much of this world's idolatry-money, must necessarily form a centre, round which a sufficient quantity of regard is attracted, to render her, if not a heroine of romance, at least a piney-woods belle. "A little scrap of lard, if you please, mistress, for the batter-cakes," uttered by Sylvy, as she appears up to the elbows in flour-which has also thrown its striking contrast over her brow and nose-interrupts me, and I must not hesitate to obey a summons on which hangs the future fate of a conspicuous part of the matutinal refreshment. On resuming my employment, I would mention, that, except in cases of emergency, I have little to do with my uncle's household. The charge devolves on an elderly female, whose official capacity of house-keeper is audibly rung at every step she takes, by a bunch of keys which are carried about in much state in a small wicker basket. My first entrance into my present abode, flits before me in indistinct reminiscences. The pleasing novelty of a black frock-which, alas! was the insignia of my being doubly an orphan, for it was worn for my last remaining parent, my mother-is among the most vivid recollections of the past. Next, is the ride with my new protector in his carriage, as he bore me thoughtless and smiling from the then deserted roof of my late home, and wondering at the tears that forced their way down his rugged cheeks. Un, A piazza is one of the indispensable luxuries of a country-house. In Summer, when sheltered by vines, which form a natural trellis-work to exclude the ardent rays of the sun, it is the pleasantest retreat that can be resorted to, either for idle indulgence, or for pursuing the lighter occupations of life. It is not without its advantages, too, when the cold blasts of Winter whistle around the corners of the dwelling, or moan among the naked boughs; as it affords partial protection against those rude assailants which find their way through every crevice of our Southern mansions-cle Daniel is my maternal uncle; to his care I was connone of the tightest, particularly in the country. fided, and to it I am indebted for the kindness and affection which have made my childhood and youth happy periods, He became a widower shortly after my removal into his family; and feeling his inadequacy to rear my infant years, prevailed upon a lady, eminently qualified to superintend the education of children, to reside under his roof, in character of preceptress to myself and cousins-two unruly boys who soon outstripped her authority, and were sent to a school in the neighborhood. My uncle, Daniel Allen, was so alive to these conveniences, that in erecting the frame-house that was to accommodate himself and family, in place of the log one-where he had been domiciled from his first beginning life, until wealth gradually flowed in upon him to recompense his indefatigable industry-that he caused it not only to be faced but flanked by piazzas. This mode of architecture was happy in giving a light effect to the building, as well as affording facilities for a covert promenade in rainy weather. The first genuine drops that ever flowed from my eyes, A moment ago, I clambered up a frail ladder, to assist the were shed on the decease of this exemplary woman, whose young tendrils of the butter-bean to catch the threads loosely memory is never recalled but to be lamented. When in suspended from post to post of the very piazza of which I melancholy mood I sometimes walk towards the shady am speaking-nor did I refuse a helping hand to the travel-knoll, overgrown with unmolested grass and wild sensitive ler's joy and jessamine, which appeared to have leagued to-flowers-whence peeps the grey stone consecrated to her gether to oppose the entrance of the sun, which may be dis-name-I feel that the ties that draw me upward, are as cerned dimly emerging from the vapors rising from the dank strong, nay, stronger, than those confining me below. It is swamp skirting the eastern horizon. This "hour of prime" not often within the precincts of plantations in this part of is refreshing and exhilarating to those who choose to breathe its sweetness in preference to sleeping late; and I am one among the votaries of nature who delight to see her shining in the first gems she wears. Uncle Daniel is also up and abroad-not to view with the eye of a painter, but of a planter, the surrounding prospect. The early habit of anticipating the dawn, which his days of poverty required him to adopt, has not been thrown aside-it has become second nature, and it would cause him much difficulty to relinquish the country, that the graves of the departed are thus honored and defended. A rude enclosure of palings, or a still ruder covering of boards, is all in general that denotes the spot where sleep the mouldering remnants of mortality. It is a holy and honorable sentiment, which prompts us to regard with marks of distinction, the last resting-places of our friends; and a painful doubt of our refinement, has often intruded, as I have looked upon the neglected hillocks, which would have been bare and level but for the springing weeds . and briers which derive their rank luxuriance from those reposing beneath them-who thus rear for themselves a memorial, which the Spring annually renews. as those me; for it was not always that I could persuade my cousins, Nicholas and William, who would occasionally accompany me, to climb the trees and gather their rich bloom. To one unacquainted with the character of the country, The green balls that I plucked yesterday from the cypress it might create surprise, why my uncle should have over-tree bordering the mill-pond, appear the same looked so many prettier spots, and built upon the site his house now occupies. His choice was the result of prudence, not taste; for the pine-land settlements, though less attractive in scenery, are preferable on the score of health. Some of the fine trees that grow near, owe their present location to myself; for even from my earliest days, I have loved the shade cast by these noblest offspring of the earth, and, when reading of the ancient Druids, have admired the solemn fanes in which they worshipped more than the gorgeous temples reared by human art. 66 There is a pleasure in the pathless woods," and it is a pleasure in which I often indulge. The Summer afternoons pass by as light and swift as the wing of the sparrow which this moment I see flitting from bough to bough, while I ramble through the forest without fixed thought or intent, and without fear; for Time has familiarized all-and all is dear. The unbroken sameness of the vast extent of pines which bound the distant view, has not palled upon my vision. The trees look as fresh and young as when first I learned to love the works of creation. I glance my eyes over the mighty host, and see them bearing themselves proudly erect against the wind and lightning; for such as fall sacrifices to the elements cannot be missed among the unnumbered multitude. Yonder scathed and leafless trees, on which the tap of the woodpecker sounds the note of their decay, seem to present the same fantastic outlines which their skeleton forms have shown forth for years. The storm has swept over them without bearing away their blasted branches, upon which the dark birds of prey congregate, and survey the scene below. These ruined monuments are also dear to me. They have early imparted the lesson-"that in the midst of life we are in death." One of my favorite walks leads towards the mills, which are turned by the waters of Brier Creek. Along the dams which confine the water, the pathway is hard and shining with bright sand, and on either side overgrown with vines and flowers. I have gathered there some of the sweetest blackberries, and the most fragrant honeysuckles. My approach is always welcomed by those at work, who hail me amid the plashing noise of the water, and the attrition of the saws; and when, after having rested awhile to admire the industry of Cuffee and his compeers, I walk a short distance onward and meet with a no less hearty greeting from daddy Jack, the miller, who never fails to remind me of an old rat in a meal tub. How you feel yousef, to-day, missy?" that used to fill my apron when I gathered them with the eagerness of childhood, grasping at baubles fated soon to be neglected. The parent stems have not degenerated ;-time does not control their natural powers, as its withering influence does the mental energies of man-nor can the physical vigor of the lords of creation cope with that sturdy strength which outlasts the circling seasons. CHAPTER II. -his looks adorn'd the venerable place; Truth from his lips prevail'd with double sway, And fools who came to scoff, remained to pray." Goldsmith. The best eloquence is that which warms the heart-which comes home to our necessities and desires, our hopes and fears-which addresses us in the various domestic relations of life, unlocking springs of consolation, support and encouragement, to cheer and animate us. It is such that sometimes flows from that sacred place, whence peace and joy have been communicated to many an anxious breast. Mr. Barnes, the simple and untutored pastor of Pincy-Grove Church, possesses in a degree this species of oratory. With little education, but some taste for reading, he has fortunately possessed himself of the best sentiments and most exalted ideas, from the perusal of authors whose liberal minds, and strict principles of Christianity, entitle them to rank foremost of the number of those who have attempted to improve mankind in the knowledge of piety. The situation of a clergyman in the country, is different from that of one residing in a town or village. There is none of that affecting relationship subsisting between priest and people in the first instance, as is common in the latter. Perhaps the remote distances at which himself and parishioners live apart, may be the reason why this connecting link is wanting. If sickness, misfortune or death enter a household, the reverend man is not there to administer the healing balm of Religion. He does not seem to entertain towards the children of the settlement, that paternal solicitude, so endearing, and so well calculated to promote the cause he has in hand. No lurking enmities are adjusted by his mediation,-no private admonitions or reproofs, given with that mild persuasion, that pleasing anxiety and affection, which must subdue all but the resolute "Quite well, thank you, daddy Jack. How is your rheu-transgressor. matism?" Sunday is a sort of gala-day in the country, at least those "It a'nt so bad, missy-the pepper-tea done me heap of Sundays on which there is service in the church—for it is good." "It produced perspiration, I suppose." only on the morning of every other Sabbath that it is open for Divine purposes. The carriages of my uncle and his "Ki! I sweat for true, missy. Keep up sis a flusterifica- wealthy neighbors are not the only ones that are sported tion." Daddy Jack sometimes presents me with a variety of birds' eggs, although I never fail to lecture him on the cruelty of robbing the nests of the feathered tribes; but he does not trouble himself to decide whether or not they are his lawful prize, so that I fear I shall not be able to reform his predatory habits. on such occasions. Showy four-wheeled vehicles may be seen leaving the poorest cottages. There is a great degree of pride and emulation respecting carriages among some of our country people. I have known an old gig which has served a family many a good turn, suddenly sink into such disrepute on the accession of a new carriage to the post it once occupied, as I leave the interior of the grist-mill, and station myself to cause a blush whenever it was accidentally alluded to. where I can watch the waters ground to foamn by the ma- The fictitious wants that pride produces, are superior to chinery, and look into the race where I have in childhood, those that reason vainly urges on our piney-woods settlers. when escaping from home, waded barefoot to gather the Their indulging in the luxury of a carriage, is rather a trismooth pebbles glittering at the bottom. The tall Lirioden-bute to the opinion of the world, which admires pomp and drons, which bear their flowers too high to be rifled by the passer by, have many a time been a cause of vexation to splendor, than a studious concern for that which constitutes solid comfort. The commonest necessaries of life are often absent from their habitations; and their horses are too much | hog family upon the table. Besides the animal figuring in required about the business of the plantation to be used-part and in whole, as already mentioned, it may be traced Sundays excepted-on excursions of amusement. The little church in the grove--its name denotes its location-is a rude edifice built of logs, placed upright, without dome or steeple: for there is no bell to send its inviting echoes along the forest. Besides the fine carriages already mentioned-muddy Jersey wagons-crazy gigs with rent tops-horses caparisoned for male and female equestrians, are seen sheltered beneath the majestic pines; while groups of men saunter near, waiting until the exercises of the day begin before they enter the church. Then follows the heavy tread-the short cough-the blowing of noses, with various other sounds, that drown the first sentences that proceed from the sacred desk. in the stewed chine and souse, the head-cheese and sausages. We unhesitatingly proceed the whole pork in the country, though I have never yet learned to relish chitterlings, which are internal evidences of the general preference for the animal. It often happens that uncle is aroused from his Sunday nap, by the "Hallo" of some bewildered traveller. After yawning and stretching himself, he proceeds to give a map of roads, more intricate by his description than the Cretan labyrinth. Perhaps it is Mrs. Dorsey's, Widow Travers', or Squire Thompson's house, that is sought for. "Will you not dismount?" says uncle. "Why, I mought as well light, for I'm mighty tired. I've been knocking about in the bushes for more than a hour. My name is Beaseley-I reckon you've hearn of Jesse Beaseley." Or, "my title is so and so." Betsey Polhill, our house-keeper, was all agog the time Jesse Beaseley made his accidental visit, which, however, was on a week day. The equipment of a piney-woods girl à cheval, may be picturesque, but it certainly is not elegant. The long flowing drapery of the riding-habit and the smart hat, are unknown to her. She mounts in her usual habiliments-her head covered with a bonnet, from which often depend the soiled folds of a gauze veil. The exercise of riding being unfavorable to the concealment of ankles, is remembered It seems that in her youth, she had almost made a conand discreetly guarded against. The legs and feet are care- quest of him, when, by the untimely interference of a more fully enveloped in a piece of checquered or striped home-successful candidate, she found herself suddenly disposspun, and away she trots without fear, and without a beau sessed of the affections of Beaseley. But the rival who to perform the requisite gallantry of assisting her in alight- had supplanted her, was no more. The rusty strips of ing. The best dressed portion of the congregation of Piney-black crape sweeping from the hat and elbow of the wiGrove Church, is not always the best behaved. The gen-dower, confirmed the report that had previously reached teeler part of the assemblage seem to feel themselves li- her of the melancholy event. Such a scudding about as the censed to interrupt the solemnities of the day by audibly poor creature kept, rattling her keys "in transport and rude whispering, mingled with suppressed titters; for there is harmony." Fifty errands of her own contriving, brought much food for the unamiable propensity of ridicule, in ob- her as many times to the piazza, where Beaseley was sitserving the ill-assorted finery upon the persons of both old ting. and young of the lower classes. To uncle Daniel, the Sab- "What is the matter with Betsey?" inquired my uncle. bath is literally a day of rest. If by an extraordinary effort" She acts very strangely." he keeps awake while Mr. Barnes is preaching, he is sure to make amends for it by dosing through many of the succeeding hours of the day. It is at such times, if the weather be fine, that he enjoys in a high degree his vine-mantled piazza. He sits under the bells of the woodbine and honeysuckle, with a Newspaper, a volume on Farriery, or an Almanac, till sleep gradually steals over his senses. Reading is his grand soporific; and when inclined to indulge in a nap, he resorts as naturally to it as an habitual laudanum drinker to the drowsy contents of his phial. When there is no service in the church, I often repair to some favorite haunt in the woods, where I spend many bours. The companionship of a book, which some might choose to assist meditation, I disclaim as vapid when compared to woodland scenery, which is best adapted to inspire religious contemplation. The practice of Sunday visiting is too customary in the country, to allow of my always passing the sacred day as would be most congenial to me. It is true I might obviate this objection, by refusing to admit those who differ from me in opinion respecting the most appropriate manner of employing the hours of the Sabbath; but I question whether turning a neighbor from the door, who, perhaps, has ridden many miles to see us, would be in strict accordance with that urbanity which should distinguish a Christian. any rate, I am convinced it would war against uncle Daniel's notions of Christianity, setting aside what he claims as due to the rites of hospitality and good neighborhood. At On such occasions, I have seen our dinner-table crowned with an abundance that might shock the prejudices of those who would make the day one of fasting. The smoking flitch, with its adjuncts of greens and corn-meal dumplingsthe savory pig and broiled chicken, with vegetables gathered dew-sprinkled from the garden, are succeeded by a dessert of potato custard, stewed fruit and buttermilk. "She carries on like one that han't got good sense," said Beaseley. 64 "I never saw her so much excited before," said uncle. "What the plague then makes her run and stomp about the house like a buck-rabbit?" The footsteps of Time must have made more legible inroads upon Betscy than upon her faithless lover, who did not appear to recollect her; while, on the contrary, she had recognized him at a glance. Perceiving her inability to attract his notice by her repeated entrées and exits, she placed herself where she could catch every word of conversation. There she sat-her cap-frill flying back-one leg protruded forward, clothed in a grey stocking-elbows expanded like the wings of a flying-squirrel-and knitting so exergetically as almost to elicit sparks from the shining points of her knitting-needles. "How are the crops in your part of the country?" asked uncle Daniel. "Why the craps is prime-it's really distressing to see how the corn grows in my swamp field." "You are a good farmer I understand, Mr. Beaseley." "No better in the deestrict, I reckon." 44 You are something of a stranger in these parts?" Here Betsey popped out her head and gazed fixedly at the widower, who did not, or would not, call up the records of past days. "I should be pleased to see you, Mr. Allen, if you would come my way," he said. "I should like very much to take a look at your farm," said uncle-"I know you are a prime manager." "He's a mean scamp any how, take him up one side and down the other," cried Betsey, bouncing up, unable longer There is not much diffidence observed in introducing the to contain herself. |