Leaves for a Christmas Bough Part 7

Soon the parents and company all a.s.sembled, and then we went through our usual ceremonies. Our Queen looked sweetly, and the wreaths were very becoming to all the girls. Each one said a piece of poetry to her majesty, and then kissing her hand, said, "Long live the Queen of May."

We had a bishop, who put on the crowns and made a nice little address; and then the pages introduced all the ladies and gentlemen to the Queen, who sat smiling and blushing at her honors.

Then we all stood in a circle and sang our May song round the May-pole, but the wind scattered our voices, and they did not sound so well as in school. After that, we played games and went to the top of Prospect Rock, from which we could see the river, the woods and all the village, which looked very pretty with its three churches, and nice white houses.

After we had rambled round till we were tired, we took some refreshment at the table, which was loaded with good things and looked very pretty.

Then we repeated several of our songs, by particular request; and we did a great deal better than at first. Just before sunset we packed up all the things and prepared to go home. Some of us rode, packed eight or nine, close in a wagon, and the rest of us walked home.

We stopped a moment at the old apple-tree, where the first May-party was gathered, and some of the oldest girls gave an account of the "Prince of Wales," who was present on the occasion.

We had a grand time, and I hope we may have just such another every year. I pressed my wreath as a memento of the occasion, and have put it away to show you, when you come to make me a visit. With love to all your sisters, I remain your affectionate school-mate,

AGNES.

AN ACCOUNT OF A SEA-Sh.o.r.e VISIT,

_FOR THOSE WHO HAVE RECEIVED THE "NANTASKET SEA-WEEDS."_

Two little girls, rejoicing in the names of Mary and Maimee, were one summer recommended to visit the sea-sh.o.r.e, to regain the health and strength which they had lost by too steady an application to study.

After being duly prepared, one by the "Good Aunt," whom every body knew and loved for her many acts of disinterestedness; the other by a most excellent mother, they both started off with friend "Maimiotti" for a snug little nook at Lynn.

Wild was the delight of the trio, as they took up their comfortable quarters with the good-natured fisherman; and never were they tired of gazing at the beautiful expanse of waters spread before them. Many were the plans formed for that week of leisure, and unbounded freedom; certainly enough to fill up six common months, and for a while, what to do first was a difficult question.

However, moderation, or "A happy Medium," was to be their motto; and though they were their own mistresses, with liberty to do just what they pleased, they showed a wonderful instance of self-government, and _were pleased_ to do right. Whether this is difficult or not, I leave to the decision of certain scholars, who have enjoyed a similar pleasure, when controlling themselves during the temporary absence of the Queen Bee.

Every day Mary, Maimee and "Maimiotti" were up bright and early before breakfast; and after a brisk walk on the beach, or in the surrounding woods, they returned with fine appet.i.tes and an inexhaustible supply of spirits.

When proper attention had been bestowed upon the arrangement of their rooms, they pa.s.sed a portion of their time aiding the fisherman's wife in the homely details of house-keeping; sometimes holding the little baby, and sometimes devoting themselves to the amus.e.m.e.nt of sick Kitty B., who was always pleased with the attention.

After this wholesome discipline, they sat down to their sewing with renewed interest, and while one read aloud, accomplished wonders of work with their fast flying needles, unconscious of the flight of time.

At length the hour for the bath, with its important and interesting preparations arrived. After decking themselves in the most fantastic costumes, great was the frolic at "the Cradle," as they gambolled in the waters like so many sea-nymphs; but vainly striving to emulate them in the art of swimming.

A nap and the duties of the toilet followed this delightful exhilaration; for they considered a tidy exterior indispensable to their comfort and pleasure, even in their retirment from all social life. At their meals a constant flow of lively conversation, and never ceasing jokes enlivened the hour; while at the same time, a graceful attention to the wants of those around them marked their refinement, and made them the pets of the household. They all seemed to remember the infinite power of good manners, and in their wildest fun never overstepped the bounds of a becoming propriety.

In the afternoon, a little more reading, letters and journal-writing filled up the time, till cooler hours allowed another ramble on the rocks, or a stroll after the sweet wild flowers in the woods around. And famous were the collections of Iceland moss, sea-sh.e.l.ls, pebbles and pressed flowers, made by those indefatigable bodies for "the dear ones at home."

Every day brought some new pleasure, and though apart from the throng of gay visitors around them, they were never weary of their simple life; and their happy hearts were a constant offering of grat.i.tude to the Giver of all the fair and glorious things in the world about them. The sunset clouds, the flight of birds, the brilliancy of the sea and sky, the bracing air and the soft moonlight, filled their hearts with good and holy feelings; and without knowing it, they were made better by the beauty of Nature.

The building of a stone cottage near by, was the source of constant interest; and many were the pleasant visits to its various apartments, decorated with all the appliances of wealth and taste. By the aid of a kind gentleman's camera, a perfect drawing of the cottage, and a pretty little bird's eye view of the sh.o.r.e were obtained; but better than all, an original sketch of their humble cot was taken, as a memento of those sunny hours.

Fishing for cod and haddock with the skipper in his dory, sea-sickness notwithstanding, was one of their rare occasions of enjoyment. Then the delightful trip to Nahant, in a sail boat, will long be remembered by those hardy adventurers, one of whom almost pitched the merry crew into the briny deep, as the stout fisherman pushed the little bark homeward against the resisting winds and waves.

But last, though not least in their annals, was the grand "Clam bake,"

when "all the folks" from far and near, came to have a good time, and eat as much baked fish, boiled lobsters and hot clams as possible. One of the party, carried away by the spirit of the occasion, and imitating the example of those around, forgot the motto of the week and ate too many clams. As a necessary consequence she forfeited a delicious bath; thereby proving that every excess is followed by the loss of some antic.i.p.ated enjoyment, and worse than all, by an accompanying loss of self-respect.

A TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF A SUNDAY SCHOOL SCHOLAR.

Many were the tears shed at the death of lovely Carry G.; the joy of her parents, the idol of her school-mates, and the pride of her Teachers. She belonged to the Sunday-school of the First Church in ----, and no one was more regular in attendance, or more thorough in the preparation of her lessons. But death, who had been busy in the village, visited the little band of scholars; and one of its choicest flowers was transplanted to a fairer soil.

The love of a fond mother, of an affectionate sister and brothers, the interest of her many friends could not save her; and after a short separation, she followed her beloved father to that Heaven, whither he had preceded her.

The deepest sympathy prevailed among all her cla.s.s-mates and school-companions, during her illness, and many were the pleasant incidents brought to mind, as they thought upon her guileless life.

She was about eleven years old, and had already made considerable proficiency in her studies at school; always maintaining a very good rank, and being noted for her habits of neatness and regularity. In music she evinced a great taste, playing with ease and correctness, and in her father's sickness, she was quite a solace with her little songs.

Of flowers she was excessively fond; always the first to find them in her garden, and ever ready to join in the ramble after the wild blossoms of the neighboring hills and dales. Her last effort of health, was an early morning walk, the pleasures of which she enjoyed exceedingly, for she was keenly alive to the beauties of Nature.

In poetry she took great delight, frequently reading selections, with great feeling and pathos. One piece, of which she was particularly fond, she neatly copied off for her mother, to whom she read it just before her sickness, with such peculiar earnestness and sweetness, that it was like listening to the tones of an angel. It is called "The Inquiry," and may be found in "The Common School Speaker and Reader."

To all these pleasant qualities, which made her so agreeable at home and abroad, she added a sacred regard for truth. In all her dealings at school, this was very conspicuous; and to have her word doubted caused the deepest pang to her sensitive nature.

In her last sickness the fever affected her brain, so that she was not always conscious of what was going on around her; but in her wanderings, she was constantly thinking of her school-mates, and in imagination partic.i.p.ating with them in their usual duties. A few hours before she died, she partook of a little refreshment; and then with her usual sweet smile of intelligence, gave her mother her parting kiss of affection.

Soon after she slept in peace; and free from all pain and anguish, she is now one of the bright celestial choir.

The scholars of her school, sang several touching hymns at her funeral; and as they took their last look at her remains, beautiful even in death, their grief burst forth in sobs, and general sadness pervaded the room. The earnest prayer of the minister made a deep impression; and the appropriate services at the Sunday-School, on the next Sabbath, will long be remembered by those who heard them. May the many virtues of this sweet child be imitated, and may all those who loved her in life, be enabled to followed her bright example.

On the coffin-lid, which was covered with her favorite flowers, the gifts of those who loved her, were placed the following lines, the effusion of a friend:

"Sweet flowers upon the Bier, Bedewed with Nature's tears!

No more her Child, reposing here, Within her fane appears.

The silent bending skies, Will weeping vigils keep; While myriad glistening starry eyes, Attend her peaceful sleep.

Far, far beyond those skies, Where dwell the immortal throng, Strains of a new-born spirit rise,-- Swells the celestial song.

The tides of rapture roll, The Heaven's eternal rounds, As if a _union_ there of _souls_ Were mingling in the sounds.

O let us weep; away From that blest land of peace, We shall not always lingering stay; Soon will our yearning cease."

A SIMPLE STORY FOR GEORGY.

A nice little duck once took it into his wise head, that he would like to travel, and so get vast stores of learning. Upon hearing that there was to be a grand gathering of all the fowls in the country, he resolved to be present at the exhibition.

So upon a bright balmy day, he was taken in a cage for his carriage, and put in the midst of the mixed a.s.sembly. Upon looking round, he soon spied out his near neighbors, the beautiful rough-neck pigeons, who cooed a pleasant welcome.

There he saw great Turkey-gobblers, white Geese, China Fowls, and Chickens of every description. The Guinea-hens frightened him with their loud screams, and for a while, he was perfectly bewildered with the din of the many sounds about him.