Several, particularly of the
younger men, displayed pantaloons of blue, edged with red cloth down the seams,
part of the equipments of the Templeton Light Infantry, from a little vanity to
be seen in boughten clothes. There was also one man in a rifle frock, with its
fringes and folds of spotless white, striking a chill to the heart with the idea
of its coolness; although the thick coat of brown home-made, that was concealed
beneath, preserved a proper degree of warmth.
    There was a marked uniformity of expression in countenance, especially in
that half of the congregation, who did not enjoy the advantages of the polish of
the village. A sallow skin, that indicated nothing but exposure, was common to
all, as was an air of great decency and attention, mingled, generally, with an
expression of shrewdness, and, in the present instance, of active curiosity. Now
and then a face and dress were to be seen, among the congregation, that differed
entirely from this description. If pock-marked, and florid, with gaitered legs,
and a coat that snugly fitted the person of the wearer, it was surely an English
emigrant, who had bent his steps to this retired quarter of the globe. If
hard-featured, and without colour, with high cheek-bones, it was a native of
Scotland, in similar circumstances. The short, black-eyed man, with a cast of
the swarthy Spaniard in his face, who rose repeatedly, to make room for the
belles of the village, as they entered, was a son of Erin, who had lately left
off his pack, and become a stationary trader in Templeton. In short, half the
nations in the north of Europe had their representatives in this assembly,
though all had closely assimilated themselves to the Americans, in dress and
appearance, except the Englishman. He, indeed, not only adhered to his native
customs, in attire and living, but usually drove his plough, among the stumps,
in the same manner as he had before done, on the plains of Norfolk, until
dear-bought experience taught him the useful lesson, that a sagacious people
knew what was suited to their circumstances, better than a casual observer; or a
sojourner, who was, perhaps, too much prejudiced to compare, and, peradventure,
too conceited to learn.
    Elizabeth soon discovered that she divided the attention of the congregation
with Mr. Grant. Timidity, therefore, confined her observation of the appearances
which we have described, to stolen glances; but, as the stamping of feet