THE SEWING MEETING.

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and could. The mere walk of these women as they converged towards the schoolhouse, spoke energy and independence, there was freedom and self assertion in the very gait; yet more of the feeling which says, 'I am as good as you are,' than of that which would say 'I am better.' Neighbours of very different standing indeed (as to wealth and name) exchanged most affable salutations; though always with that same air of gravity which seems chosen by our country people as more dignified than a smile.

Some especially the younger women-carried fanciful and gay coloured workbags, from the top of which stuck out bright knitting-needles; but more had their work in their pockets or merely wrapped together in their hands, just as it had been caught up from the window sill, with perhaps a twisted skein or two of yarn to bear it company. One or two were even knitting as they walked along.

'I wouldn't wonder a bit if we were late,' said Mrs. Hopper, as they went up the little slope down which the boys used to rush with accelerated speed the moment school was let out. 'Mis' Clipper's bunnet's gone in, and she aint apt to be the first apple that falls.'

A steady murmur that issued from one of the end doors seemed to confirm this suspicion, and when they entered the room it was quite full. That is it was well lined, for everybody sat back against the wall, and there was a perfect glitter of knitting-needles. Knit, knit, knit, knit, here a grey sock and there a blue mitten and there a scarlet comforter; while the knitters went carelessly on with their talk, looked out of the window and at each other's work, got up and crossed the floor and came back again, and never stayed their fingers for an instant. Eyesight seemed needless-except to examine Miss Clyde when she appeared, and to form an exact opinion as to her dress. One or two of the

younger ones, who had worn straw bonnets to the meeting, laid down their work for a minute till the new arrival had taken her seat, but the others knit on as fast as ever; with merely a 'Hope you're well Miss Clyde,' from those who felt best acquainted.

At the further end of the room a large wheel flew round and round, under the hands of a brisk young lady who stepped back and forth with very creaking shoes; and the bright little spindle whirr-r-red! off the yarn with consummate neatness and speed.

'What will you set me about?' said Rosalie, when she had found a place-not of rest upon one of the hard wooden chairs. 'Shall I wind some yarn?'

'A person can do that for himself about as handy,' said one of the company, who with her right knee a rest for the left had elevated her left toe into the air, where it did duty as a reel.

What then?' said Rosalie. 'I am afraid I do not knit fast enough to be of much use in that way.'

'Every roll makth one leth, Mith Clyde,' said the brisk little spinner, stooping as she spoke to take another from the bundle that lay across the wheel.

'Yes, if I could turn them off as fast as you do,' said Rosalie.

'Maria Jane does spin fast,' observed Mrs. Clipper.

'But look a here,' said Mrs. Hopper, 'there's just that one wheel-and I don't s'pose any one here's got spare knittin' work.'

Nobody had.

'There's nothing for her to do but look on then,' said Mrs. Hopper.

'What ails her to read the news?' said the postmaster's wife, producing a paper from her pocket. This only just

come from York; and he brought it when he came in this noon and then went off and left it after all. So thinks I I'll take it along-the children won't get it anyway.'

This motion was much approved; and with exemplary patience and distinctness Miss Clyde read the paper for the benefit of the meeting. Nor without interest to herself; for there was much that she wanted to know.

A few paragraphs read, such as 'Battle of Bridgewater' -Truly British account,' &c. then came,

"Phoebe and Essex-before the capture of the latter." 'Before the capture of the latter!' said Mrs. Hopper dropping her work. 'Why when on earth or on water was

the Essex taken?'

'It does not say,-it refers to some former account.'

'We lost our last paper,' remarked the postmaster's wife.

'Then Abijah Hopper's a prisoner and I knew no more of it than a baby?' said his mother.

There was a pause, even of the knitting-needles, and then Mrs. Clipper vouchsafed to say,

'He mayn't be took, Mis' Hopper-he might ha' got away.'

'Got away!' said Mrs. Hopper contemptuously-skimming over the ocean like a sea-duck! And what did he go to sea for, I should like to know?'

'Didn't go to be took, did he?' ventured Mrs. Clipper. 'Yes he did,' said Mrs. Hopper-'when his time come and he couldn't help it.'

""Taint worth while to fret till you do know, Mith Hopper,' said Maria Jane from her wheel.

I should like to see myself at it,' said Mrs. Hopper, the little burst of indignation having been eminently useful in keeping down her anxiety. 'Read straight on Miss Clyde-don't stop for half a piece of news.'

Rosalie read straight on.

"Fortifications at Brooklyn."

"On Tuesday morning last, the artillery company of Capt. Clyde (reinforced to the number of about 70 by volunteers from the seventh ward) with the officers of the third brigade of infantry under Gen. Mapes, repaired to Brooklyn for the purpose of commencing the additional fortifications for the defence of this city. They broke ground about 8 o'clock under a salute from a 6 pounder of Capt. Clyde's, on the heights southeast of the Wallabout. Gen. Swift superintended their construction, attended by alderman Buckmaster, of the corporation committee of defence; and Major Raynor, commandant of the district, with others, visited and remained with them through the morning. The weather was extremely fine, the situation airy and the prospect beautiful and commanding; and the labour was begun with a degree of cheerfulness and alacrity highly honourable to the gentlemen concerned.

"The societies of Printers, Cabinetmakers, Tanners and Curriers, Cordwainers, Butchers, House-carpenters, Pilots, officers of the 10th brigade infantry, of the 3d regt. artillery, students of medicine, sixty hands of the wire factory, and many others not mentioned, have already volunteered one day's labour to the construction of these works."

"The Printers being employed yesterday at Brooklyn heights, the publication of this paper was necessarily delayed."

In quiet talk upon these and other matters, the afternoon wore away; and as shadows began to stretch across the road, and the tinkling of cow-bells made itself heard, stockings were rolled up and the knitters prepared to depart.

I'll have to wait, I s'pose,' said Mrs. Hopper, as they walked home; 'with just such patience as I can pick up.'

But the anxious feeling seemed to have come again, and her walk was too straight and determined.

"You don't think nothing's fallen on Abijah, mother?' said Jerusha.

'I don't know no more'n you do about it,' said her mother. The ship's took-that's one thing,-what the t'other is I can't say. Like enough he's took in her, and sent off to live with the Britishers.'

'He might be away for a time, in that case,' said Rosalie; and then be exchanged for some English prisoner.'

'Maybe so and maybe no,' said Mrs. Hopper. 'But somehow I don't feel as though Abijah was comin' home no more!'