I dreamed of bliss; but ah! I found Since childhood's golden hours have passed. Mr. Johnson appeared happy, though humbled, at being favored again with the society of those dear friends who had so often sorrowed on his account; and his deportment and good resolutions again encouraged them to hope that he had entirely forsaken the path of immorality. The effect produced upon this father, by the peculiarly dutiful conduct of his beloved daughter, was more abiding than any which he had ever experienced before; and it is charitably hoped that through the instrumentality of his pious wife and considerate and interesting child, he not only became a better member of society, but was prepared for a holier state of existence beyond the grave. Through the influence of Frances, he who had so long proved himself an unnatural father, was led to seek again the daughter he had for so many years abandoned, and made that unexpected visit with which the reader is already acquainted. It was a source of the highest gratification to Frances, ever after the return of her father from his visit to New England, to reflect that although she could not behold her sister, she still knew exactly how and where she was situated; and also that she could form a correct idea of her personal appearance and character. From the description given of her by her father, and from a communication she received from Susan through the medium of that parent, she felt assured that her far distant and unseen sister cherished a lively interest in her welfare, and longed to cultivate a friendship with her, not only because she was a relative, but because she had learned to regard her with feelings of complacency on account of virtues which she believed she possessed. The spirit of Frances was cheered by the unfeigned sympathy manifested by Susan in all the peculiar trials of her past life. She felt that her sister rightly estimated the character of their weak and erring father; that the interest they felt for him was mutual; and what more than any thing else was a source of consolation to Frances, and her mother also, was the assurance, that unknown to each other, these three friends had long and earnestly supplicated a Throne of Grace in behalf of him who was a prodigal, not only from the house of his Heavenly Father, but from those who were his nearest friends on earth. It was a sweet reflection to each of this party, so peculiarly situated in regard to each other, that their prayers, in some measure had been answered, and the object of their tender solicitude, though at the eleventh hour, snatched as a brand from the burning. Although it is not known that these sisters ever met, this side of the grave, it is believed they rejoiced together in spirit over him, who for a long season was lost, but at length by almighty grace was found and rescued from the power of sin and everlasting death. It is not certainly known whether either Susan or Frances lived long after the occurrence of the events above described. There is reason, however, to believe that both of these sisters were allowed to spend some years in exerting a happy influence, not only within the sacred circle of their own sweet home, but upon all around them; and their history affords a happy illustration of the oft-repeated assertion, that moral and intellectual worth, when combined in the character of any individual, render such truly valuable. CHAPTER XX. Adeline Weldron's visit to an invalid Gratitude-Adeline imitates Sorrowful incident the virtues of her grandfather and mother Adeline · Inconsistency of her father — Adeline becomes the wife of a Missionary — Her death in a foreign land. 'I AM burdened with a weight of obligations,' said Mrs. Adams, a poor invalid, to Adeline Weldron, as she entered her sick-room. To whom?' inquired Adeline, smiling. 6 'To many kind friends,' answered the sick woman; but to no one more than yourself, Miss Weldron.' 'If I have done as much as duty required for you,' replied she, 'I am glad; certainly I have done no more.' 'I think otherwise,' responded Mrs. Adams, affectionately extending her hand towards her young friend; ‘I have abundant reason to feel grateful to you, but gratitude is so delightful an emotion to cherish, that I cannot feel sorry it is so." 6 Adeline, who had taken the proffered hand of her suffering friend, gently pressed it, while an expression of kind feeling beamed from her countenance. You are a happy woman, Mrs. Adams,' said the young lady, and I am almost tempted to envy you.' 6 'I am not always happy, rejoined the other; sometimes I feel very much dissatisfied with my condition, and then I am very miserable; much of the time, however, I trust I realize that my daily lot is appointed by Him who doeth all things well, and then I am contented; for “I can do all things, and can bear All suffering, if my Lord be near." 'We are poor creatures indeed,' said Adeline, unless we constantly obtain help from on high; but I can stay only a few moments at this time. I wish to know exactly how you are this morning, and if there is any one article of food you particularly crave to-day, I wish you would tell me what it is.' 'Thank you, dear Miss Weldron;' then, having answered her questions, added, 'I never, never can repay your kindness.' 'I am more than paid already,' replied Adeline, with a smile, for all the kind acts I have ever performed; you must not forget the encouraging remark that it is far "more blessed to give than to receive." She then bade Mrs. Adams good morning,' and walked cheerfully towards her home. On her way thither she stopped to procure some little articles of nourishment, which she soon prepared, after reaching her own dwelling, and sent immediately to the sick lady. At the time the servant handed these articles to the nurse, which were exceedingly grateful to the taste of the individual for whom they were intended, a lady was present to whom Mrs. Adams said, with a feeling of animation, 'Miss Weldron has indeed been a very kind friend to me during my illness, and from what I have seen and know of her, I believe she is kind and benevolent to all.' |