pressure was renewed, and he said, quietly, "Tell me all about it, Ruth.
Stop; come up stairs to my own sitting-room. You can talk quietly
there."
[Illustration: IN MR. LUDLOW'S STUDY--DRAWN BY E. A. ABBEY.]
I followed him gladly enough. Mr. Ludlow's little den was a very sacred
place to all of us. There we knew that he read and wrote and studied. I
had only seen the room once from the doorway. I did not remember what I
now noticed, with a start, that above the mantel hung an exquisite
crayon of Hunt's "Light of the World." There were candles lighted on
either side of it, and their gleam touched the Divine face tenderly. I
never forgot just that moment. I needed so to feel His mercy, and here I
seemed to read it, with love and compassion as well. Mr. Ludlow made me
sit down, and I told my story, and then I wrung my hands, and asked,
miserably, what was I to do. He was very grave and earnest and kind, and
said words which I yet hold as counsels for daily life; but he took the
case into his own hands kindly. Of course, he said, I must go home at
once. He asked me if he might call Kate up stairs, and counsel with her.
I assented gladly, and I think he told Kate all about it before she came
into the room, for she had her advice all ready. She said that I could
go home by an early morning train, and leave her to explain my sudden
departure to the girls. "And another time, Ruthie," she said, "you will
come and have a longer visit." She said very little of my fault; but
late that night, after all the merry-making was over, she came and knelt
beside me, and we prayed a little together. After all, that miserable
day had held moments which were to be life-long influences. It was
arranged that Mr. Ludlow should take me home, and after a few hours'
sleep, Kate wakened me. I went down in the early morning to a little
breakfast, and then started off with my kind friend. I never shall
forget that journey. My heart beat with nervous apprehension as we
neared home. Mr. Ludlow had telegraphed ahead, and the boy with papa's
gig was waiting. In answer to my inquiries, he said Miss Winny was very
ill, and at the house door papa's face confirmed my fears.
Shall I ever forget my feelings as I entered Winny's room, and saw her
lying on her bed, so changed that she turned nearly sightless eyes upon
me. Oh, how I hated myself for all the trouble I had given her! Days and
nights passed as though in a dream, and through God's mercy Winny lived,
but never to be very strong and well, never to entirely resume her old
place at our head. Kate Ludlow came up and nursed her through those many
weeks. She taught me many things to do, and contrived to place a great
deal in my hands.
I think it was a year later, when Winny had gone off to the country with
the Ludlows, that I received a package from Mr. Ludlow containing an
engraving like the one in his room. With it were the following lines:
"DEAR RUTH,--Will you keep this from me in remembrance of last
year, and as a sign that I _believe_ you will keep your high
resolves? When I bring Winny home, I shall have something to tell
you."
And so he had. A week later he and Winny arrived, and almost the first
thing she did was to put her arms about me and tell me the news. She was
engaged to be married to my kind friend.
* * * * *
Aunt Ruth paused in her story. Evening had come on while she finished
it, and the room was too dark for us to see her face.
"And so she married him?" I asked.
"Yes, dear," said Aunt Ruth, "and you all know what happiness she has
had. So you see my temptation ended in Winny's peace."
We were silent a moment, and then Aunt Ruth said: "My story ought to
help all of you a little, girls, one way or another. Try, resolve, and
you can all conquer."
THE END.
COOKING CLUBS.
[Illustration]
This is a fac-simile of a dainty note that I received one afternoon last
month. As I looked at the wee, plump cook, in her cap and apron, tossing
a ball in a frying-pan in the upper corner of the invitation, and the
tiny cook merrily footing a jig in the lower corner, and then spied
along the bottom the guests and musicians running for the special
midnight train, I wondered whether these little Jersey maids were going
to prepare us a wonderful supper, dance while it was baking, boiling,
and cooling, invite us to partake of it, and then vanish, leaving us to
scurry home like belated fairies fearing the dawn.
[Illustration: "TWO EGGS, WELL BEATEN, ONE CUP SUGAR--"]
A few days afterward I was being borne rapidly along toward Morristown
in the train, now flying past loveliest stretches of woodland, catching
glimpses of brown pools and flashes of silver brooks, and anon past
meadows golden with buttercups, and fields snowed under by daisies: and
was there ever so pretty a sight?
Yes, in the dressing-room of the hall where the five-and-forty "young
maidens," white capped and robed like daisies--or, no, they made me
think of doves--were cooing and preening their white feathers--beg
pardon, their white ribbons--for their ball: _that_ was a prettier
sight.
Among the hundreds of pretty girls who attended the ball we knew our
cooking maidens by their caps, and a sign, for each one wore a tiny
griddle or a frying-pan or a toasting-fork fastened to her dress, and
besides that a great ball of red and white roses hanging from her belt.
[Illustration: "DON'T LET IT BURN."]
This was their first ball, and how do you think the young maiden cooks
trimmed their ball-room? With bunches of roses and radishes, leeks and
lilies, and all sorts of homely herbs twisted and twined around pots and
kettles, griddles and saucepans, all full-sized, and shining new from
the tin shops. Now don't laugh: it was very pretty and proper too that
these utensils should be raised to their ancient dignity. Why, once upon
a time, very long ago, of course, cooking utensils were made of bronze
and silver and gold, and Kings and Queens delighted to cook their own
meals, and professional cooks rode in carriages, as I hope these young
cooks may--or do.
What I wish to tell is how this association originated, and something
about other cooking clubs. Well, about five years ago, a dozen
school-girls put their wise young heads together for a grave
consultation. I will not tell you what solemn things were said on this
occasion, but they decided that it was the duty of every girl to know
how to cook, especially such things as ├ęclairs, puffs, tarts, and
jellies, so necessary to the happiness of every well-ordered household;
and also, because learning to peel potatoes, prepare vegetables and
meats, and to dress salads--all important things, too, in a
household--would, be very dull and dry work, it was moved and carried
that, after eating supper, they should always have music, dancing,
charades, or tableaux to cheer them up.
The first meeting was held at the home of one of their number; the lady
of the house and Dinah the cook amiably giving up the kitchen and the
dining-room, with their treasures, for the purpose.
[Illustration: LAYING THE CLOTH.]
It was a pleasant sight to see a dozen young girls in snowy caps and
aprons, note-book and pencil in hand, with a grave expression on their
rosy countenances as they seated themselves to listen to their
acknowledged leader, who was to announce the orders of the day.
I am not going to tell you much about their disappointments. I will only
say they were determined to master one of the most important duties in
life for girls--so they all said. At first too many girls would "put
their fingers in the pie" at a time, so to speak; consequently the
"meringues" would not froth properly, the "croquettes" would fall apart,
and the biscuits resemble dough.
But they had the dancing to encourage them, added to the thought of
duty; so they persevered, until at last one might peep into one of the
loveliest dining-rooms, now their head-quarters, and really feel tempted
by the goodly array of dishes.
The head cook not long since declared to me that she could peel
potatoes, prepare vegetables and salads, and--But there, I can not give
a list of all her culinary accomplishments; it would be too long.
From a small club of school-girls the affair has assumed the dignity of
an association numbering nearly fifty young ladies. But what has all
this to do with the ball? you may ask.
[Illustration: WASHING DISHES.]
The ball was the crowning event of the association's long existence of
five years; in fact, it was a sort of culinary Commencement, and the
graduates now commence life as Maidens of Arts--culinary arts, of
course.
They have made their courtesy to the world, and now retire. Early in
September or October a new Maidens' Association will spring up; but, as
these dignified ladies of eighteen patronizingly declare, they will only
be little girls--beginners. What a wonderful advantage it is to be so
elderly and dignified!
Similar societies exist in various parts of the country: among others
may be mentioned the Boston Saturday Morning Cooking Club, which has won
considerable fame by its culinary exploits; the Young Maidens' Cooking
Association of Savannah, Georgia; the Philadelphia Cooking Club; the New
York; and a number in the West.
Indeed, wherever those famous lady cooks Miss Juliet Corson, Miss
Parloa, and Miss Dodds have travelled, giving their interesting
lectures, cooking clubs have sprung up like flowers in their wake.
I wonder, with all their knowledge, whether any of these coming cooks
will ever equal that famous Roman master of his art who could serve at
table a whole pig, one-half of which was boiled, and the other roasted,
and stuffed with spiced birds, eggs, and delicious nuts?
[Illustration: OUR POST-OFFICE BOX.]
WOODSIDE, NEAR LINCOLNTON, NORTH CAROLINA.
I have been thinking that some of the readers of YOUNG PEOPLE would
like to hear about Uncle Pete, and perhaps to help my sister M----
and myself in the little school which we began with Pete's eight
children for the first pupils. Four years ago we moved back to the
old farm which had been my father's. The place is now worked by
tenants. One of them is a colored man, who was once our slave, and
has never left us a single day. He used to be a good servant, and
in the years since he has been free he is still the same honest,
faithful man. In the sickness and troubles we have had he has been
the kindest of friends, always doing everything he can for us. When
we came back we found a great deal to do, and many things very much
run down, and Uncle Pete was our best helper. There is no school
here for colored children to attend, so we asked him to send his
little flock to us on Sunday afternoons. The little things came
gladly, and learned so well that we told them they might invite any
other children who wished to learn to come with them. In a month
our school numbered twenty-seven pupils. Among them they have only
six ABC primers, and two New Testaments. They are very anxious to
learn to read and write.
If we had the money, we would like to build a little school-house,
where M---- would teach these little folks three times a week,
except in the season when they are busy in the cotton field, and
every Sunday as well. We could then take a great many more, who
are now sent away for want of room. We will gladly give the land,
all the timber needed, and the use of our wagon and team, and Pete
with the other fathers will give labor; but some money is
necessary too, and we have none. We would now be very glad to
receive books, even old and worn ones, reward cards, papers, and
slates, as well as copies of the Testament. If we had a small
instrument, M----would teach them to sing.
Any gifts of money or books which may be sent to me will be
acknowledged promptly and thankfully. Who wants to help Pete's
little Ida, and her friends?
MRS. ALICE RICHARDSON.
We have no doubt that many of you will look about the house to see what
school-books and cards you have finished using, and what story-books and
Testaments you can send to these ladies, who are trying to make the
little dark-eyed children on the farm happier and better. Very likely
some of you will deny yourselves a treat of some kind, or save money
from candies or toys, that you may lend a hand to Uncle Pete in building
a little school-house. And if some of you help to buy the little cabinet
organ, why, if you listen very hard, you may hear the sweet voices
singing, if not with your ears, in your hearts.
* * * * *
WINNIPEG, MANITOBA.
I was seven years old on Christmas-day. I can not write well yet,
but mamma is writing this for me. I have two sisters, Isabel and
Constance, and I have three cousins here, so that we have great fun
when we play together. We have drives very often out on the lovely
green prairies. Mamma reads us the stories in YOUNG PEOPLE, and we
are so delighted with them all. We were very sorry when Mr. Stubbs
died, and my sister and I hope Toby got some other pet in his
place. I go to school every day. We had games in the Park on the
24th of May. Papa and mamma took us to see them. The funniest was
the fat man's race.
ETHEL WYNNE.
* * * * *
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA.
Last fall papa bought a pig, which we called Mattie. This spring
she had eight little pigs, and they all died but one. Mattie was
sick, and could not take care of it, so we kept it up stairs, and
fed it from a bottle. One night it got out of its basket, and ran
all over the room, squealing, until I got up and gave it some milk.
I put it in the basket, covered it up with its blanket, and thought
it would stay there for the rest of the night; but I had hardly
crept into bed, and was just falling asleep, when I heard it
squealing again. I said to my sister, "I believe that pig is out
again"; and so he was. He did not want to go back in the basket,
and we had a great deal of trouble. Mamma and papa both had to get
up to feed him before morning.
HARRIET S.
P.S.--The above letter has been lying some time in one of my books,
but I think I will send it. After I wrote it the pig died, and we
buried him in the garden.
* * * * *
BEDFORD STATION, WESTCHESTER CO., N. Y., _June_ 17, 1881.
Will some of the readers of HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE help me to obtain
(alive) some of the caterpillars of the Cecropia, Polypheme, Luna,
and Promethea moths? They are found from Canada to the Gulf of
Mexico.
The eggs of the first of these are found in the Southern States in
May, and in the Northern States in June, are kidney-shaped and
white, and are found on the leaves of apple, cherry, and wild plum
trees. The caterpillar measures from three to four inches in
length, is light green, with _red warts_ or knobs with black hairs
on them. It is about the size of a woman's middle finger.
The caterpillar of the second variety is found on oak, elm, and
lime trees in July and August. Its body is blue-green, with orange
and purple warts, its head and feet black.
The caterpillar of the third variety is much like the second, but
is found on walnut and hickory trees.
The caterpillar of the fourth variety feeds on sassafras-trees. It
is large, like the others, bluish-green, except the head, feet,
and tail, which are yellow. There are sometimes small wart-like
spots on it, either red or blue.
I want the cocoons, the caterpillars, and the eggs. The
caterpillars can be sent safely by mail, I think, in a perforated
box, with some of the proper leaves inclosed with them, unless the
distance is too great.
MRS. L. LUQUER.
* * * * *
HAVANA, ILLINOIS.
We had an evergreen bell for Christmas, and this spring we hung it
out in the porch, when some little birds came, made a nest in it,
laid eggs, and hatched out little birds. We could stand in the
porch and watch the mother bird bring worms to feed her little
ones. I am six years old.
JEWELL A.
They were "cute" little birds, to choose so cozy a place for
housekeeping.
* * * * *
BRIDGETON, NEW JERSEY.
I have just the sweetest little sister, who likes me to play on the
piano while she runs around in a circle or dances. But she will
dance to only one tune, and if I play any other she sits down on
the corner of the sofa, and waits for me to get through.
HATTIE L. S.
* * * * *
MARYSVILLE, CALIFORNIA.
I am eleven years old, and my brother and I take YOUNG PEOPLE, and
like it very much. I think Jimmy Brown is a very funny boy. I liked
"Susie Kingman's Decision" and "Mildred's Bargain" very much.
Please, Mr. Harper, tell Jimmy Brown to relate another of his sad
experiences soon.
ANNIE B.
* * * * *
PUEBLO, COLORADO.
My brothers and sisters and I like to read YOUNG PEOPLE. I think
Jimmy Brown's monkey must have been a remarkable one.
ROBERT C. W.
* * * * *
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.
My sister and I take YOUNG PEOPLE, and we like it very much. At
school one Friday two girls, my sister and myself, read "Susie
Kingman's Decision," and our teacher thought it very good. We began
YOUNG PEOPLE with No. 31, but as my cousin had all the numbers from
the first, I read the stories in them. We have made out many of the
puzzles, but have never sent any. I enjoy the letters in the
Post-office Box.
E. and L. B.
* * * * *
SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI.
I can hardly wait till my grandma, who lives in Titusville,
Pennsylvania, sends me my YOUNG PEOPLE. I am nine years old, and my
sister Mattie is seven. We have a darling little canary-bird. It
can sing very sweetly. We have taught it to eat from our mouths.
Its name is Billy. We think a great deal of our pet.
CLINTIE B.
* * * * *
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA.
I have taken YOUNG PEOPLE ever since the paper was published, and I
can hardly wait for Tuesday morning to come I am so anxious to get
it. I think that "Toby Tyler" and the "Daisy Cot" are the prettiest
of all the stories. Next week I am going to the country to spend
the summer at my grandpa's, and I expect to have a very nice time
there. They have horses and cows and chickens and guinea-fowls. I
go down to the pasture lot every evening, and the cows come to me
and I feed them.
Last winter I went to school for the first time. I studied quite
hard, and I took the second prize. It was a dear little silver
fan.
I am almost eight years old, and I hope to take YOUNG PEOPLE until
I grow to be a woman.
JENNIE P. M.
* * * * *
CINCINNATI, OHIO.
I am eleven years old. I have been confined to my bed five weeks
to-day. I was out hunting, and was climbing over a fence, and as I
was handing the gun over, it slipped out of my hands, and off went
Mister Gun! It made a hole in my leg, and one in my arm. It was a
pinfire gun. I hope the boys who read this will not handle guns or
pistols until they are old enough to take care of them. I will not
be able to walk, even with a crutch, for six weeks. I do not know
what I would do without HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE. "The Cruise of the
'Ghost'" is splendid. I liked "Toby Tyler." I am making a
collection of shells, coins, and stamps. We have four little
kittens, and my sister calls the mother cat Mamma Lillie or Muver
Lillie.
My father and mother carried me to the window this morning at
three o'clock, and I saw the comet.
J. T. M.
We too hope that the boys who read this letter will heed its warning,
and let fire-arms, and even toy pistols, alone. They are dangerous
playthings. Boys who go on hunting excursions should be accompanied by
their fathers or elder brothers; but while we do not condemn hunting
altogether, we think there are many safer ways of finding out-door
pleasures, without taking the lives of innocent animals, or periling
your own.
* * * * *
SEABRIGHT, NEW JERSEY.
Before the idea was mentioned in YOUNG PEOPLE a society had been
started in New York to collect all sorts of things, such as
preserved sea-weed, dried grass, iron, gold, and other ores--in
fact, everything except postage stamps. We hold meetings in the
fall, at which all the collections are placed in the society's
cabinet, to be lent for a while. I am the secretary, and will be
happy to give full particulars to any one who may write to me
inclosing a three-cent stamp. No girls are admitted, nor any
persons residing out of New York State for over three months at a
time.
JOHN R. BLAKE,
Secretary N. Y. Chapter C, Agassiz Association.
Although you appear to have anticipated our Young People's Natural
History Society, we will be pleased to have you become a branch of it,
if you wish to do so. Your rule with regard to girls seems to us rather
arbitrary. Girls make good working members of such societies, and their
presence adds much animation to the meetings.
* * * * *
It may perhaps be interesting for your readers to know with how
much pleasure HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE is welcomed in far-away
countries such as Holland, and how even a Dutch girl is interested
in its pretty stories and engravings. I await its arrival as
eagerly as any American boy or girl, and the Post-office Box is one
of its greatest attractions. Perhaps some of your readers would
like to have photographs representing views from Holland. I will
send them in exchange for any American pictures. If correspondents
have a special desire for views from particular places of Holland,
they will please state it in their letters, and I will try to
satisfy their demands.
E. MOLEWATER,
Villa Duna, Scheveningen, Holland.
* * * * *
The following exchanges are offered by correspondents:
Postmarks from Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan, for postmarks from any
other State, or for Indian relics.
EUGENE HUNTER, Wauseon, Ohio.
* * * * *
Indian arrow-heads, lead ore, and mica, for half-cents and large
copper cents of all dates.
W. F. WOOLARD, Fairfield, Ill.
* * * * *
Specimen of rock and earth from the State of Ohio, for the same
from any other State.
CALVIN K. RIERNAN,
Care of B. F. Seigley, Melmore, Ohio.
* * * * *
Stamps, for same.
GEORGE S. MEREDITH, Oakland, Cal.
* * * * *
Periwinkles, small mussel shells, and petrifications, for foreign
stamps.
FRANK STIVERS,
Liberty, Union Co., Ind.
* * * * *
Indian tomahawks, for curiosities of any kind. No foreign stamps
wanted.
DELLIE H. PORTER,
Russellville, Logan Co., Ky.
* * * * *
Soil from New Jersey, for minerals, fossils, or anything good for a
museum.
ASHBEL GREEN, JUN.,
Box 62, Englewood, N. J.
* * * * *
Sixteen foreign postage stamps, for silver or gold ore.
F. MEHL,
1527 Mount Vernon St., Philadelphia, Penn.
* * * * *
Stamps, postmarks, butterflies, or moss, for sea-shells, or any
curiosity suitable for a museum.
FRANK FORD,
Middlefield, Geauga Co., Ohio.
* * * * *
Belgian and French, for stamps from Russia, Norway, Turkey, Sweden,
Italy, Spain, and Greece. No duplicates.
ARNOLD LAYMAN,
411 South Fourth St., Terre Haute, Ind.
* * * * *
Two good books, for a young spaniel puppy.
MOSS P. FULLER,
Plattsburg, Clinton Co., N. Y.
* * * * *
Cryolite from Greenland, pure limestone from Crystal Cave, Bucks
Co., Penn., stamps, postmarks, and coins, for Indian relics,
curiosities of all kinds, and old United States cents and
half-cents.
FRANK H. EARP,
1825 Green St., Philadelphia, Penn.
* * * * *
I will give the following collection of minerals for a good Indian
bow and arrows, or for a foot-power scroll-saw, or a good
printing-press: Agates (carnelian), agates (moss), asbestos,
chalcedony, claystone (concretions), copper ore, copper pyrites,
cryolite, crystals (quartz), feldspar, flint, fossil wood,
fluor-spar, galena, gypsum, granite, garnet, Iceland-spar, Mammoth
Cave (formations), marble, mica (quartz), pebble, satin-spar,
shale-fused rock (rare), jasperized wood, sandstone formations,
iron pyrites, petrified moss; also six shells from Sandwich
Islands, three shells from Feejee Islands, four shells from Bermuda
Islands, six petrified shells, a trilobite, a piece of mussel chalk
(Austria), and some other curiosities. Correspondents please write
before sending anything.
C. H. LEADBETTER, JUN.,
Box 787, Hamilton, Ohio.
* * * * *
Quartz crystals, iron ore, and flint, for sea curiosities, or
stamps from Iceland, Greenland, any country in Africa except Egypt,
Argentine Republic, and Central America.
CHARLES LANSING,
Plattsburg, Clinton Co., N. Y.
* * * * *
Offers invited for a pair of base-ball shoes, size No. 6, very
little worn.
THATCHER T. P. LUQUER,
Bedford Station, Westchester Co., N. Y.
* * * * *
Stamps from Asia, Africa, South America, Gold Coast, Gambia,
Mexico, etc., also Chinese coins, copper ore, beautiful art cards,
and cards with my name, for department stamps, or any besides
European; foreign coins, good ocean curiosities, or cards, in any
even exchange. Indian arrow-heads for twelve stamps, or anything
named above.
LOCK BOX 88, Little Falls, N. Y.
* * * * *