participated--even Aunt Lucinda often making one of the company, and
enjoying it too--although she was sometimes heard to wonder, what Deacon
Martin's wife over at Fulton would say if she saw an old woman like her
take such an active part in the pastimes of the young. It would seem that
Deacon Martin's wife felt it her duty to be the first to point out any
delinquency among those in her immediate sphere. Aunt Lucinda fearful the
good Deacon himself would be inclined to think she was evincing a spirit
of too much conformity to the world, by joining so frequently in the
amusements of the young, and gay. "I think" said my mother, "your best
way is to consult your own conscience, instead of the opinion of either
Deacon Martin or his wife; and I am sure your conscience can accuse you
of no wrong in joining the young people in their innocent amusements."
Advised by my mother my aunt purchased a new bonnet of quite modern style
and a shawl to match, both to be worn to a picnic which was to be held
in a beautiful grove near our village. When she brought home her
purchases I laughingly told her if any young lady we might meet on our
homeward journey should enquire their price she could easily satisfy her
curiosity, as the purchase was of such recent date. "I am sure of one
thing," replied my aunt, "if we meet the same young lady we met on our
way here, she won't ask me the price of my bonnet. I don't know after all
but her remark did me good, for it set me thinking how long I have had
this old bonnet, and I believe it was time for me to buy a new one."

The holidays were nearly over and we must soon return to our respective
duties. Charley Gray and I had fully enjoyed the time we passed
together. I fancied that contact with the world had blunted the keen
edge of Charley's nature; for, during all the time we passed together, I
saw nothing of the peculiar disposition which had so often been a source
of trouble, even when we were mere children. I suppose it must have been
that nothing called it forth, for his old enemy still remained in his