Library Collections: Document: Full Text


Anne and Tilly

Creator: Mary A. Denison (author)
Date: 1869
Publisher: Alfred Martien
Source: Straight Ahead Pictures Collection
Figures From This Artifact: Figure 2  Figure 3

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Page 7:

128  

Her sister, Miss Cornelia, is, on the contrary, one of those airy nothings who appear to live for one object alone -- dress. Not a thought beyond colors, shapes, contrasts, and "how do you think I look in it?" In truth, talking with her, one would fancy that the world was an immense millinery and dressmaker's shop, and Miss Cornelia engaged by the proprietor to act as the show figure in the window.

129  

However, you can get along with her, if you allow yourself to be bored about fashion and frivolity. She will amuse you with a description of her trials and mishaps while learning to ride on a velocipede. I hope you will see, listen, be amused, and not learn.

130  

Miss Madge, the youngest sister, and of course the baby of the family, is a mild, quiet bit of electricity gliding pleasantly down the stream of life, seemingly without a cloud to mar her perfect content. She is really a dear, delightful little creature, quite as sweet and innocent as she looks. Cousin Emma, her very dear friend, is her inseparable companion, and a sensible, good girl, somewhat older than Miss Madge, whose guide and confidante she is. You will notice, with what exquisite taste she dresses, very much in contrast to Miss Cornelia, the "Grecian Bender." Miss Grace is a merry bit of sunshine, a rattling tearing jolly specimen of girlhood, the possessor of as good a heart as ever went pit-pat beneath a boddice; but of course she subdues her exuberance of spirits before folks, and appears quite dignified. You will love her dearly, both for her flow of spirit and her goodness of heart.

131  

This family of Madame D. Baby, includes Miss Eugenie, who is said to resemble the Empress of the French. She is just from Europe, where she was greatly admired. It is said that once, while riding on one of the principal boulevards, she attracted the notice of the Emperor himself. I don't know as that is anything for an American lady to boast of. Still, Miss Eugenie proves that one can be possessed of a good style, pay sufficient attention to dress, yet be, withal, sensible, charming and amiable. I commend her to you, not that you should imitate her style of dressing; for that which is becoming to one person, often looks ridiculous on another. Each is, or should be the best judge of what is fittest for her, when old enough to exercise taste and reason.

132  

You are yet very young, and must be guided by the excellent teachers in whose care you are placed.

133  

Miss Eugenie D. Baby has lately been quite ill, and the admirable patience and fortitude she displayed, have endeared her very much to her friends. Her docility and quiet resignation make her sick room almost pleasant, and those who took care of her, remarked that it was really no care at all. I could not help thinking, my dear, of the time you knocked the medicine out of dear old Dr. Gallipot's hand and spoiled his nice clothes. In this respect, Miss Eugenie ought to be a model to you.

134  

And now I introduce my last young friend to your acquaintance. Miss Georgia, niece of Mrs. D. Baby, is a merry, independent, saucy, and, I fear, proud and wilful young lady, two years younger than Miss Grace. I have not been often in her society, so can't give you any description of her, except so far as looks are concerned, and we may not agree on that point. To my notion she is beautiful and accomplished, though I fear I should not dare to eat a pie of her manufacture, and am almost certain she could not make a loaf of bread, to save her life.

135  

How lamentable it is to see young ladies growing up without any kind of useful knowledge of that kind! I had rather my daughters would be good bread-makers than fine pianists, although, I cannot see any clear reason why they cannot become both.

136  

And now, my darling, you must not let anything I write prejudice you against Miss Georgia, or any of the D. Baby family, as you should judge of character for yourselves, and not by hearsay. And remember this, those whose conversation injures character, should never be relied upon; so always be very, careful in that respect.

137  

You must make the acquaintance of these ladies, and in good time you will know them either to love, or if you cannot do that, treat them distantly but respectfully, without hurting their feelings. We always expect our little daughter to act in such a manner that there will be no shadow of a doubt in any one's mind as to her entire and thorough good breeding.

138  

You must write and let us know how you like the interesting family of the D. Baby's. I trust so much style and fashion may not be hurtful to the habits of the young friends at your school, but I opine that the good advice you get from your teachers will be sufficient to counteract the influence of the gay world and all its representatives. And now, having introduced you to your new friends, the D. Baby family, and being at a loss for further news, I find the fire getting low, the room chilly, eyes growing dim, and mamma making preparations for good-night; so I feel inclined to follow suit, and retire. With many hopes that you may find your new friends quite to your mind,

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