22 TENANTS OF AN OLD FARM. 



ders, the occupants of our own homes, with which 

 we oftenest meet, are precisely the ones least at- 

 tractive to our eyes. If you will take the pains to 

 search the flowers and shrubs, forests and ferns, you 

 shall fmd (hat there are spiders with as fair an exterior, 

 in point of color, at least, as more favorite animals. 

 Even birds, be it remembered, have their buzzards and 

 vultures ; and at all events, as long as ladies will insist 

 upon shuddering at sight of the most beautiful animal 

 in creation — the serpent — we may feel justilied in disre- 

 garding their prejudice against poor Arachne. How- 

 ever, when you know her better, I am sure you will 

 like her more." 



"Mr. Mayfield," cried Abby, '' I must protest now ! 

 Surely j^ou are not in earnest when you call the serpent 

 beautiful ? I might come over to your opinion as to 

 spiders and insects, but — snakes I Ugh !'' 



"What is this?'' Tasked, touching a spiral bracelet 

 upon her wrist. " A mimic silver serpent ! And this ?" 

 I added, lifting the links of a gold watch-chain, coiled 

 at her waistband. "And this?'" pointing to coils of 

 brown hair upon the back of her head. " Here is your 

 own witness that serpentine forms, at least, are not 

 lacking in beauty. Ladies do not decorate their persons 

 with ugly things." 



The play of mind upon Abby's face was a pleasant 

 study as she followed these sentiments, evidently quite 

 now and startling. The mantling ciieeks and kindled 

 iirown eyes betrayed tiie mixed nature of her fi'elings— 

 the pleased surprise of novel thought ; the confusion 



