Page:Sketch of Connecticut, Forty Years Since.djvu/121

 not more invulnerable to the shafts of the Trojans, than this to the attacks of winter; and if a crevice ever appeared in it, the arts of housewifery were in instant requisition, like "armourer accomplishing the knight, with busy hammers closing rivets up."

A neat broad brimmed hat, which his father had worn on great occasions for half a score of years, a drab coloured great-coat, with deep cuffs, and huge buttons, both taken from the Sunday wardrobe, out of reverence to "the Lady," and vast shoes of the skin of that animal whom the Brahmins worship, completed his array. His countenance, where the blasts of winter, and heats of summer had long set their seal, exhibited that decision, and contempt of bodily hardship, which in ancient Sparta was dignified as a virtue. It also displayed that mixture of sobriety with contentment, resting on the basis of moderated desires, and humble piety, which often gives the agriculturist of our country a dignity, which Sparta in her pride never knew.

Mr. Larkin, at entering the apartment, seemed desirous to make his way on that narrow stripe of the floor, which in those days was always permitted to surround the car pet. At length a large table, which he doubted whether it were decorous for him to move, obstructed his course, and he exclaimed with some perplexity,—

"I must tread on the kiverlid." The Lady suppressing a smile, said,—

"I beg, good Mr. Larkin, that you would step on the