• The grand-daughter of such a man as Aaron Weldron could not well be expected to be otherwise,' answered the lady, as he was one of the kindest of the kind. The father of Adeline does not imitate all the virtues of his long-lamented parent, although he was, nominally, a Christian; the members of his family are often pained at his inconsistencies. It is true,' continued the lady, he is benevolent to the needy, and gives liberally on many occasions;` still there is an evident heartlessness and a want of refinement in each act he performs, which despoils it of its loveliness.'

'Does Adeline resemble her mother in character?' asked Mrs. Adams.

'She does,' replied her friend.

6

'I have never seen her,' responded the other, but have been told she has been for many years an invalid.'

6

That is true,' rejoined the lady; yet in her feeble state of health she makes herself a blessing to all around her. There is one circumstance which occurred under my own observation, which will give you some idea of the character of this excellent woman, that I think you would like to hear me relate.'

6

I am sure I shall,' said Mrs. Adams, for I am so much attached to her daughter. I love her even without seeing her, and like Cowper can say,

"Friend of my friend, I love thee, though unknown,

And boldly call thee, being his, my own."

'This is often true,' answered the lady, 'of those who have feeling hearts-'

6

Now let me hear your story," said the sick woman, interrupting her.

'Perhaps,' said her friend,' you are aware that the house of Mr. Weldron is situated on the bank of a lake in the vicinity of a canal which was made not many years since. At the time this canal was being constructed, many of the sons of Green Erin came with their families and resided in shantees erected for their temporary shelter, in the neighbourhood of Mr. Weldron's farm.

'One lovely evening, when I happened to be visiting this dear family, we were alarmed by a cry of distress. It was a fearful cry, and was caused by the sudden death of a woman who had lived in one of these huts. She had been for some time the victim of consumption; still, those about her appeared to have been ignorant of the fact, and herself was insensible, too, of her danger. The husband of this woman, on going home at night from his work, to his great consternation, found his wife in the agonies of death. He knew not that she was dying, but thinking her "very bad," as he expressed himself, he screamed aloud for help, crying, "Do go and fetch the doctor- do go and tell him to come soon, or she will be dead."

'On hearing this distressing cry, Mrs. Weldron sent to inquire the cause. The messenger soon returned and informed us of what I have related. He said, "the poor woman has just died she was dead before the physician saw her. It would make your hearts bleed," continued he, "to see the little girl who has been left motherless by this dispensation of Providence; she mourns as if she indeed realized the loss of a mother."

'Our hearts, as may be imagined, were pained by the

recital of these facts, and Mrs. Weldron at once determined to do all she could to alleviate the sorrows of these afflicted ones. As the weather was exceedingly warm, the remains of the poor Irish woman had of necessity to be buried on the next day after her death. Poor little Margaret, for that was the name of the child bereaved of her mother, felt sad indeed when the face of that friend was forever hidden from her view. She had a father and a brother, yet she felt lonely; and she was alone, though surrounded by a motley throng of her own country-people. There were none who seemed to care for her.

The forlorn situation of little Margaret drew forth the tenderest sympathies of Mrs. Weldron, and she said not to the helpless child, "Be warmed, fed, and clothed," as too many do, without relieving the necessities of the dependant, but she kindly took her to her own dwelling, assuring the helpless little one that she should ever find in her a friend. Margaret was a bright, interesting child, and in many respects was a comfort to her benefactress. She lived with this lady until she was old enough to take care of herself. This is but one of the many instances which might be adduced to show the benevolence of this kind lady. The scenes which daily occur in her house, constantly exemplify the religion professed by Mrs. Weldron and her daughter.'

This last observation was most truthfully affirmed. The influence of piety was continually felt wherever these individuals were called to act. Many years rapidly succeeded each other, without the occurrence of any uncommon event. It is true Mrs. Weldron was often prostrated by debilitating disease, to which she was subject, and during

these seasons the family were afflicted deeply; but as soon as she recovered her wonted strength, they were cheered by the hope that she might be spared even to old age, to gladden their hearts.

When Adeline arrived at the age of twenty, her mother was again laid low by an illness from which she never recovered. She passed away from earth, leaving her mantle to fall upon that daughter who had for many years administered to her comfort, and had been a most pleasant companion.

After the death of this much-loved parent, Adeline was called to pass through trying scenes. Previous to this event, she had been addressed by a gentleman for whose character she had ever entertained the highest respect, upon the subject of forming a matrimonial connection. She had long been far from feeling indifferent towards him; still, she frankly told him she had resolved to remain unmarried during the life of her mother, as the feeble state of her health at all times called upon her to pay that unremitting attention which she was better qualified than any other person to bestow.

Not long after she was bereaved of this valued friend, the addresses of this gentleman, who was a young clergyman, were renewed, and accepted by Adeline. His mind had long been exercised upon the subject of becoming a missionary. He longed to carry the glad tidings of a Savior's love to heathen lands, and greatly desired to find some christian female, with a congenial spirit, who would be willing to unite her destiny with his, and accompany him thither. He made known his views and feelings to Ade

line, and was much gratified to learn that her mind had long been exercised upon the same subject.

'I should have expressed my feelings relative to this important topic, long ago,' said she, 'had I not considered it my duty to remain with my mother, so long as I could be the means of soothing her life of suffering. As she needs me not, now, I think the leadings of Providence are such as to justify me in deciding it is my duty to resolve, in Divine strength, to labor for the good of those who never heard of a Savior, during the remainder of my life.'

In a few days, she cheerfully consented to become the wife of Mr. H, the young clergyman referred to. Her father approved of their intended union, on conditions that they should never leave this country. I am willing,' said Mr. Weldron, that my daughter should become a missionary to those residing in the great Valley of the West, and I will contribute liberally to further the object; but I cannot consent that you should go to a foreign land.'

Adeline meekly replied to her father that she had supposed he would be willing she should go wherever duty seemed to call.

Are you sure it is duty, and not inclination, which calls?' asked Mr. Weldron.

'I am sure it is not inclination, my dear father, which prompts me to desire to leave my elegant and much-loved home, to endure the privations of a missionary in a pagan land. Neither would inclination prompt me to forego the enjoyment of the society of refined and very dear friends, to associate with the ignorant and degraded. I feel that I must go that I may be the means of winning souls to Christ. I cannot be blessed in remaining at home. Do,