The pupils in attendance at the common school were anxious to
procure some extra apparatus for the hall, and having received much
assistance from the young ladies of the district, entered into the
work with a will.

Jennie Montgomery was a host in herself. A bright, amiable girl of
eighteen, with robust constitution, sunny disposition, and step
elastic as a fairy. She was, indeed, an ornament to her home and
also to the community.

Jennie was not a beauty--had not the least pretentions to one. Her
dark complexion was pure and health-like; but it was not heightened
by that peachy bloom peculiar to brunette's, instead only a warm,
bright and ruddy hue, which some might consider as approaching the
rustic. Her eyes, as they sparkle with delight at the pretty array
of bright colors, might not be admired as of the poetic or ideal
type, but in their depths lurks a keen and significant expression of
the peculiarly intelligent and earnest appeal that seldom speaks in
vain. The neat and cosy parlor, with its many articles of female
handiwork, speak for the taste and talent displayed by this
interesting girl. The pretty sketches of familiar haunts near her
loved home showed that genius had stamped the brow of Jennie
Montgomery, and inspired her with a deep enthusiasm for the
beautiful and sublime.

Presently she rises from the work table, and opening a door leading
to the balcony, stands for some moments gazing in mute admiration
upon the lovely view of Sussex Vale, wrapped in its mantle of purest
white, reflected in the sunshine as a vast expanse of frosted
silver.