' M ■&&! - 



332 



MOOHS'S 



,3 lightens! 



"Yon here:'" be exclaimed, turning op at! 

 hanUHome.bojUhfuce. •' Ob, before I 

 This pleguey mast raft Mud up straight all . 

 can do." 



» Don't say plaguey— it Un't a pretty word j fa 

 MTtt* possessed a natural refinement, bolb n 

 manner and language. 



»I am so noted wiih tins thing, itoterl" 

 Charlie's face teemed quite Hu-h-.d with exertion 

 for it was a warm day in the laiter ptirt of June 

 Stately elm trees lined the banks, aud cast tbet 

 shadows nearly acmss the pond, but a dry, wither 

 log brecie occasionally lifted the leaves with n. : 

 hot lingers, and crept through the short grass 

 leaving no trace of coolness in its trade. 



" Let me help you, brother 1 loon hold that u] 

 while you are fixing it," aud UTBA knelt dowi 

 upon the mossy turf by bis side. 



"Well, I guess you may. There, hold it so.' 

 Charlie proceeded to fasten the mast withou 

 further difficulty. 



"What have you named your ship?" 



"The Pirate King of the Seas." 



" Oh, Charlie, don't cull it B pirate ship. 1 ' 



" Yes I shall, and I wish that you would ruak 

 a Gag and put the name on it." 



re os to 111. 



"Oh, 



sew the letters on somehow — 





"The 

 boat lau 



it-day, for I must hare the flag fi 

 some one else will be here to 



"On: 





THE OKl'HAN GOVEI.'N l-:ss. 







Chapter I. 



"We 



l, Mm 



a, yo 



r new Go 



this afternoon. 











I did 



'I know 







Who 



is she?" 



drew ne 



arer th 



■ fash 



onably a 



that you had pro- 

 ind the young girl 

 lired lady. 



"Her name is Grace Niles. I received a letter 

 from your aunt Mary last week, and she wrote to 

 ascertain if I desired a teacher for you and Cuarlik. 

 It appears that this young lady has applied to her 

 for a situation. Your aunt recommends her as a 

 superior person. They were formerly acquainted, 

 when Miss Nn.ES moved in fashionable circles. I 

 wrote back immediately to know when I might 

 expect her, for the proposiuon pleased me. Here 

 is the reply," continued Mrs. Athbhton, folding 

 the epistle in her hand, "and I find that your 

 Governess will arrive in the stage this after doc 



" Well, I hope that I shall like her," and M' 

 Atherton sighed, while a pensive sadness stole 

 over her thin, pale features. She was a 

 fragile girl of fourteen summers, and there 

 indications of ill-health about her, for the slight 

 figure wa3 not very straight, and her head droi 

 forward wearily. There was an expressioi 

 anxiety on tbe mother's countenance as she sai 

 "What makes you look bo sad? Are you quite 

 well to-day r" 



"My head aches some, but perhaps it will feel 

 better when Miss Niles comes. May we have 

 iu the summer-house this afternoon V — it is so C 

 and pleasant out there, and Charlie wants u: 

 see his little ship launched." 



" Oh, yes, dear, if you wish it." 



The lady pushed back the golden curls from her 

 daughter's brow, and if a coi 



bad I 



i Mrs 





id threw down his knife 

 with alow whistle of surprise. 



'* I wonder if mama thinks that I'll be ruled over 

 by a prim weazen-faced Governess r I won't.any- 

 how, that's a fact !" and Charlie's tone was very 

 decided, while he placed his hands in r. 

 and drew up bis frame proudly. 



"Don't say eo, brother. I am sure 

 not prim, nor weazen-faced, either, for 

 writes that she is n superior person." 



"Well, I don't care a fig if she 



"Will you treat her politely, brothe 



pressed her little thin hand to her I 



den spasm of pain contracted it. 



Does your head ache!'" Charlie 



i pockets 



I hate 





"Some; but will you proi 

 oice and pale face touched 

 be warm hearted boy conquered his 

 rith a strong effort. 



The pleading 



■S, Iv 



I u y I 



promise not to tip over my i 



"We are going to have I 

 shall gather a boquet to pre; 

 Tell, I'll give her one o 

 breasted .sunflowers, as our j 

 and Cuarlie laughed miscb 



l tbe arbor, and I 



ned t. 



,»tk. 



,:[;£S ,■ 



i going to shut my mouth i 





eugly 



epath to the hoi 





be would have said trat &he was an indulgen 

 mother, not very strong-minded, but like the gen 

 erulity of women who are bred in the hot-house 

 Btyle of fashionable life, with no correct views ol 

 the solemn responsibilities of a wife and mother, 

 bnt possessing a kind heart, and what she deemed 

 a tender solicitude for the best interests of her 

 children. Charlie, her youngest pet, was a 

 impulsive boy of twelve years, who was generally 

 accustomed to haTe his own wishes consulted 

 opon every occasion ; hut he was very gem 

 hearted notwithstanding, and loved hissiste 

 an almost idolatrous affection. This devotic 

 molted from education, for Mtra was a frail 

 child, and he was taught to respect her sensitive 

 nature, and never trouble her with rudeness. 

 The influences which had nurtured her growth, 

 had always been such as to develop selfishness ; 

 but the jean of her life rolled on, and discovered 

 new beauties of character, which even her worldly 

 mother regarded with surprise. Mrs. Atherton 

 was a rich woman, and when her deceased husband 

 left her large possessions, the widow was not quite 

 inconsolable, for she still had the appliances of 

 wealth, «vDd access to the elite of society. She 

 usually spcut her summers at Willow-dell, her 

 country retort, which was situated in a romantic 

 portion of Conncciicut, about thirty miles from 

 New York. 



Tbe promise of having supper served in the 

 arbor seemed to animate Mvra, and thanking her 

 mother, the left the room saying—- I'U g0 to And 

 Charlib, for he must be ready l welcome our 

 Governess." 



" Yes, I wanted you to tell him first, for he may 

 rebel, and perhaps you can influents him, Uu ia 

 spirited boy." There wrb a mother's pride 



full of the 

 "I knew that you did nc 

 and Myra went languidly up 

 A delightful garden framed 

 the choice collection of roses were in 

 Mrs, Atherton met her daughh 

 piazza. "Your Governess has just arrived. I 

 have sent hemp to her ion ui, fur she luoks I aliened. 

 She is i[nite pretty, and very lady-like, too." 



" Who are you talking about V" inquired Char- 

 lie, coming through the shrubbery, fanning him- 

 self with his hat, fur his broad, fair brow, around 

 which the dark hair clustered in curly rings, was 

 moist with perspiration. 

 "Hiss Niles has come," quickly replied Mvra 

 " Oh, you have been upon the grass with those 

 white linen pants, — do go and change them, you 

 careless boy," exclaimed Mrs, Athertox. 

 " Oh, pshaw ! who care3 for a Governcs 

 these words floated up through the open ■ 

 of Grace Niles' room. She heard them dis 

 and a shadow swept over her counteuanc 

 weary look grew heavier, and, somehow, y 

 have thought that it was a heart- wen ri dps 

 appeared to be scarcely twenty years of l 

 there was a patient, resigned expression about her 

 mouth, which indicated that her soul had felt the 

 withering blasts of sorrow, and battled with atern 

 necessity. Grace Kiles was nn orphan. T: 

 years before she is introduced to the reader 

 father became a bankrupt, and survived his k 

 but a few months, for despondency seized 

 mind, and a rapid decline of health brought him 

 to a premature grave. Grace was the ouly child 

 of her widowed mother, but tbe sudden descent 

 from wealth to poverty did not ineapaci 

 for duty; traits of character were developed 

 which no other discipline could have 

 and Grace supported ber parent, whose health 

 was feeble, by her own untiring efforts. Mrs. 

 Niles was now dead, and as the superior educa- 

 tion of Grace qualified her for teaching, she con- 

 quered the dread of seeking the unenviable situa- 

 tion of a Governess, and applied to her former 

 friend, Mrs. Ratiiosd. The sadness which bad 

 shrouded her eyes in misty gloom throughout the 

 day now descended, and wrapped a pall about her 

 heart, and as the voices came floating to her from 

 tho piazza, she burst into tears aud wept for some 

 time uncontrollably. But at length the bowed 

 figure raised from its kneeling position by the 

 carved oaken bedstead, and the weary voice said 

 —"This will never do, Grace Niles. You must 

 rest. Gon will give you strength," and she push- 

 ed hock the silken hangings. 



An hour later, Mrs. Athirtos rapped softly at 

 the door, but received no reply. " I Will go in, 

 perhaps she is asleep," thought the lady, and she 

 did hud Grace rcstiDg sweotly. There were 

 . i,, , cbveks, but u settled 

 peace, irhich none but Jura can giro, was ap- 

 parent in her countenance. "Poor thing! »he 



" I hope so darling," said Grack, tenderly ki*r- 

 ig her, and as they went d.iwn to tho parlor to- 

 gether, she thought " Oh, I cannot help being 

 happy with Such a lovely scholar, and how thank- 

 I that Gon has raised mc up a 



BACH enjoyed the meal exceedingly, for Mrs. 

 tuertov was iu her usual chatty mood. She 

 id a lively social temperament, and was still iu 

 ie prime of life, 

 habitually good naluied expression. She also 

 possessed an easy flow nf language, which 

 ed her an agreeable conversationalist, and when 

 mated, her racy style was peculiarly charming. 

 The del i ei'.Hia strawberries, which were served with 

 fresh cream from the dairy, was also a n 

 he city girl, who had not breathed 

 in a long time, or enjoyed any of i 

 A variable crimson came and we 

 cheeks, and Charlie's heart was wi 

 he peeped Blyly over his bowl of milk. Bii 

 been very cordial, but still po 

 lite, for he had promised Mviia this, and Cuarxh 

 membered his promises. When theii 

 meal was concluded, Mrs. Athe 

 Governess to get acquainted 

 it to ride. Giu 

 faculty of wiuning the confidence 

 id ber pleasant, cheerful way: 

 iahlie from his restraint. Me was naturally 

 :ry strong in his likes and dislikes, and 

 cd uu unusual penetration for one of his years 



seemed satistied to sit by and listen to their 

 thought it beat to 

 this opportunity in observing the peculii 

 the wayward boy. When the mother returned 

 she found the trio upon the piazza, en| 

 familiar chat. The twilight shadows w 

 the Inwn, and myriads of ins 



i in, Miss Niles, and play for the children, 

 ery fond of music," and Miss 

 opened the piano. Grace had a sweet 



very powerful compass, but well suited forin- 

 :ompaniment, and Charlie turned 

 mg several old 

 was a long time since she had touched a piano, 

 but she was thoroughly versed in the principles 

 of music, and her natural love for it soon recalled 

 much which a discontinuance of practice had 

 nearly erased from her mind. Mrs. A. was well 

 pleased with her pen",n mance, and after the 

 children were gone she remarked—" Now, Miss 

 Niles, I feel perfect confidence in your judgment, 

 aud I shall therefore let you pursue your own 

 Myra is a weakly 

 child, and cannot hear much, but I want to have 

 her become accomplished in music, and her other 

 iperintended with care. Our 

 family physician advises considerable 



take her to walk or 

 ride very often, for I shall leave her almost wholly 

 to your charge." And the mother did, for she 

 soon discovered that Grace was worthy of her 

 confidence. 



The month of July came, and one day Mrs. 

 Atiibrton received a letter from a city friend, con- 

 taining a pressing invitation for her to join a 

 parly, which were just ready to start for Kahunt. 

 The temptation was irresistible, and knowing 

 that Myra could nut leave her studies, she resolved 

 to have both of the children remain at home wiih 

 Grace, whom she began to esteem very highly. 

 Iler arrangements were soon made, and Charlie 

 and Mvra saw their mother depart without regret, 

 for they were warmly attached to their faithful 

 governess. Perhaps, if Mrs. Atiilrton had not 



which thronged her elegant mansion, she might 

 have noticed the gradual decline of Myra's health. 

 Grace had spoken to her about it, but she replied, 

 carelessly, " She has always been so from infancy ; 

 you must not let her study too hard;" so Grace 

 said no more, but she watched the gentle girl with 

 increasing anxiety, for sometimes there was a 

 hectic spot upon her cheek, and she breathed 

 quick and bard. One day, about a week after 

 Mrs. Atheiiton's departure, the young governess 

 said to her charge, " You are not well to-day, my 



"I am tired, that is all." 



"But you look sick. I'm afraid that you are 

 growing weaker. 



the u 



LOl Gl 



' but Mvra leaned heavily upon 





feels bad I 



prompted by Mrs. Atuei 



Dg itrangflN ■ 



while." The! 



I will let her 



"We will sit down here, ir you 

 drawing her into the arbor. 



" What a beuutiful world this is 1 I wonder i! 

 it isn't a reflection of Heaven." 



Myra had a dreamy fjay sometimes, and Grace 

 always encouraged her to talk, for there was u 

 peculiar beauty in her language. 



"Since you have told me about the city of the 

 Great King, aud marked those places in my Bible, 

 1 do not cure to read anything else." 



" I am very glad that you like it so well, darling, 

 for it is the best book in the world " 



"My father used to love it, and I almost always 

 found him reading in it while he was sick; 

 mama never liked it as well — she thinks it u 

 dull and prosy— I heard her tell a lady so one day. 



o beautiful, 









talk about it. 0, I used to wish that 

 lomc one would." Myra paused.and 

 in thought, but suddenly 



Host 



"I wish I 



1 have found i 

 would always 

 when I came e 



;, and I think that lie 

 i read and prayed with us, for 

 s hands several times ; but h< 

 ' it down, as if he was ashamed. 

 he is such a queer boy !" Al 



PROBLEM. 



CHARADE. 



My lir-l is Bppltetl (.* a eirt. 



ANSWEES TO ENIGMAS, Sec, IN No. 607. 



Slbucrtiscmcnts. 



G~=;t 



eouooojft 



jyroT A Hl'MUl'G.- 







Manufacturer 





Proprietor, tf 



. uilaui ■'." 





















v\ 



o o x> 



a 



m o 



W E H. — 







I, 





.ed'''. ««lllK» 



1 



pSJL 



■',; 



S3M« 



3£e*Ss 





-. 



" f 1 """?! 11 ! f 



1 ,.„,.,, .,„,.,. 



,„ V I 



MOORE'S RURAL NEW-YORKER, 



Agricultural, Literary and Family Weekly, 



