Whether for better or worse , there will be a probable diminution of the moral influence of wealth , and the sway of an aristocratic class which from an era far beyond my memory has held firmer dominion here than in any other New England town . '' The Old Year , having talked away nearly all of her little remaining breath , now closed her book of chronicles , and was about to take her departure , but her sister detained her a while longer by inquiring the contents of the huge bandbox which she was so painfully lugging along with her . `` These are merely a few trifles , '' replied the Old Year , `` which I have picked up in my rambles and am going to deposit in the receptacle of things past and forgotten . We sisterhood of years never carry anything really valuable out of the world with us . Here are patterns of most of the fashions which I brought into vogue , and which have already lived out their allotted term ; you will supply their place with others equally ephemeral . Here , put up in little china pots , like rouge , is a considerable lot of beautiful women 's bloom which the disconsolate fair ones owe me a bitter grudge for stealing . I have likewise a quantity of men 's dark hair , instead of which I have left gray locks or none at all . The tears of widows and other afflicted mortals who have received comfort during the last twelve months are preserved in some dozens of essence-bottles well corked and sealed . I have several bundles of love-letters eloquently breathing an eternity of burning passion which grew cold and perished almost before the ink was dry . Moreover , here is an assortment of many thousand broken promises and other broken ware , all very light and packed into little space . The heaviest articles in my possession are a large parcel of disappointed hopes which a little while ago were buoyant enough to have inflated Mr. Lauriat 's balloon . '' `` I have a fine lot of hopes here in my basket , '' remarked the New Year . `` They are a sweet-smelling flower -- a species of rose . '' `` They soon lose their perfume , '' replied the sombre Old Year . `` What else have you brought to insure a welcome from the discontented race of mortals ? '' `` Why , to say the truth , little or nothing else , '' said her sister , with a smile , `` save a few new Annuals and almanacs , and some New Year 's gifts for the children . But I heartily wish well to poor mortals , and mean to do all I can for their improvement and happiness . '' `` It is a good resolution , '' rejoined the Old Year . `` And , by the way , I have a plentiful assortment of good resolutions which have now grown so stale and musty that I am ashamed to carry them any farther . Only for fear that the city authorities would send Constable Mansfield with a warrant after me , I should toss them into the street at once .
Many other matters go to make up the contents of my bandbox , but the whole lot would not fetch a single bid even XXXXX an auction of worn-out furniture ; and as they are worth nothing either to you or anybody else , I need not trouble you with a longer catalogue . ''
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