CHAPTER IX.

Meekness.

MEEKNESS as a natural temper, sinks into meanness and servility; but when, as an acquired temper, built upon principle, and moulded into a habit of the mind, it is the grand distinctive characteristic of the religion we profess.'

THE Scorching sun of a midsummer's day, that since early dawn had been playing among the roses, prying into the depths of the purple bell, and dancing on the glistening leaves of the vine that enriched the piazza of Mrs. Courtney's beautiful dwelling,-had, at last, withdrawn its beams to bestow them on less fairy-like scenes, when her daughter Emily, with her gay young visitors, who had shrank from its scorching gaze on their soft, delicate complexions, bade it farewell with joy, as they now sought the cool and shaded retreat. They were a light hearted and thoughtless band; and the eye could not but gaze in admiration on the smooth fair brows and beaming eyes unmarked by a line, and undimmed by a shadow of the world's care or sorrow; and as it watched

the busy fingers weaving, in gay colors, the beautiful design, or forming with the bright needle some tasteful article of apparel, occasionally pausing in their employments to turn the leaves or read aloud from the gilded volumes, or to give freer reign to the mind's beautiful fancies, it could not but convey to the imagination, images of light and loveliness untarnished by contact with the rude and discordant world. But alas! while yet the eye gazed, the ear caught some strains that caused the observer to take his vision from what were deemed regions of purity, and direct it again to the soiled flower on the dry sod of the beaten path; for ah! like those dim objects of earth, is the young heart which cannot receive the heavenly dews of love and benevolence, ere the dust of earthly pride, vanity and prejudice, gathers around it. The view from their beautiful retreat was one of exceeding quiet and loveliness; and some of their number, as they gazed upon it, were not unmindful of the heavenly vi sion, as they received into their heart the calm serenity of a scene, that to the care-worn and afflicted seemed fashioned for a happier world.' Far in the distance lay a neighboring village with its white dwellings embosomed in foliage, and its tall spires towering to heaven-glistening and sparkling in the sunlight, seeming bright pyra

mids of stars. Rich orchards and cultivated farms sloped down toward a noble river, which seemed to have paused in its onward course to dally with the bended boughs and nodding flowers, while it stole a reflection of their grace and beauty to give loveliness to its own pure bosom. All the rich hues of the summer clouds too, were mirrored there and the sunlight danced and glittered on its surface and lighted it up as it wandered far in the distance, until it became as

A line of silver mid a fringe of green.'

Nearer them wound the village road, following the course of the river, while directly opposite on the beautiful sloping banks were situated many of the quiet dwellings of their neighbors. To be sure the architecture and aspects of the dwellings varied, for there was a row of noble buildings to the right, while to the left many were seen embrowned and decayed by time, but none were destitute of graceful trees and smooth verdant lawns.

Why should many of the young friends of Emily Courtney, who could look abroad on all this magnificence and beauty with hearts at ease, remain so unmoved and regardless? Alas, their mind's near-sightedness could not carry their vision beyond the line of the village road; and to the objects that passed to and fro there, was their whole attention directed; and not the most

charitable and christian-like were many of their observations on the frequent passers by. One was dressed too meanly-another too gaily. One was all the time gadding, another had just found time to crawl out. One walked too proudly, another too languidly. These criticisms, with various remarks on the business and characters of the individuals, employed most of the time, until a young lady, neatly attired in a plain black dress, with a trim cottage tied closely round her interesting face with a simple ribbon, advanced, and raising her sedate but cheerful looking face to the group, smiled, bowed, and passed on.

Emily, and the young friend nearest her, looked thoughtfully as she passed, while significant glances were exchanged by some of the other ladies.

'I declare, Amanda!' exclaimed Harriet Manly, who had watched the lady eagerly; Mrs. Chalmers has gone into that old black house again! is it not the third or fourth time we have seen her this week?'

Why, yes,' was the answer, she will lose all her former friends soon, if she continues long in this course. Here she has pleaded positive engagements in her family, as an excuse for neglecting to call on the Knapp's, the Hartley's and Burnham's, and this week she has passed repeat

edly their dwellings, on her way to that low family.'

Well, it's her own fault if she does lose them,' returned Harriet; for if she does not respect herself, no one else will respect her. That's what I've been taught ever since I learned my alphabet. And I'm determined to move always in the most genteel and respectable society,' she added, bowing gracefully to her laughing companions.

'Only think,' says another voice,' what advantages Mrs. Chalmers has had for becoming the most accomplished and fashionable lady in town! You know her father was very rich, and after that spendthrift son became an outcast, he lavished every indulgence upon Caroline, as his favorite. But what did it all profit her? You know she rejected many high offers which would have brought her to stations where her accomplishments would have brilliantly shone, and chose after all to become the humble wife of that obscure young clergyman, who had nothing to recommend him but clear voice and brains.'

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'I don't know,' again ejaculated Harriet, as he has even those qualities to recommend him, for I have never set my foot on the threshold of his little rusty looking chapel, which none but the poor and low frequent. However, I should