Beadle's Dime Novels No. 35: East and West — page 41: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

- MINNIE’S POEM. 4t thinking those sketches, though rude in execution, as of course they must be with such materials, showed decided aptitude for original drawing.” “You are very good to say so.” “ And very much in earnest, too, though I fear you do not believe me. If you will accept a few lessons from such an unworthy artist as myself, I shall take it as a compliment, and hope you have forgiven me.” ; “Oh, I had nothing to forgive cried Minnie, her cheeks again glowing. “I was only vexed and ashamed that you had seen my scratches.” “You need not be vexed and ashamed any more. But shall we begin our practice to-night ?” “ You forget I haven’t the materials. Oh! how I wish I had them !” : “ T haye them, which is the same thing. A part of my business down this way was to take some sketches of the country for an illustrated magazine. So now we'll set to work.” | “ And I'm to be left to amuse myself, I suppose,” said Con- Stance. “Minnie, I believe I'll trouble you for that old ben > you spoke of, for I am rather fond of pictures ~ » Minnie brought the book with a murmured apology ;_ but was so eager for the lesson, that she quite forgot, what Con- stance soon discovered, that it was the repository of other things than published engravings. A curiosity, which we don’t pretend to defend from censure, Jed Constance to read the following verses, written in a cramped, old-fashioned hand—for Minnie had learned penmanship of her mother: , There’s beauty in this summer wood, And music in this brook ; There’s grace in every floating cloud That sails above the nook Where I, a little Western girl, My own wild fancies braid and curl. Behind our hut a forest stands In summer’s richest green, And ’neath its wide-expanding shade pactcr ma aoc ins marvel m such things grew In the first home my childhood knew. - comliclooks.com