Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1850-11-02


departure. But it was with a calm brow
and firm tone that she assured him he bac
heard only truth, and that she was indeed
to leave home for Lowell, perhaps to be alb
sent for some years. There was no msta-
, king the expression of her lovers face as
; she said this--it gave the death blow to all
the hopes she had unsconsciously cherished,
and taught her that henceforth, Lewis Day
ton must be to her as stranger. After an
Intellectual attempt to induce her to relin-
quish the idea, and a few commonplace
remarks about other things, he took his de-
parture, leaving Grace in a tumult of con-
tending emotions, among which, gratitude
that she had so soon learned the hollowness
OF his professions, became predominant
"Better now than later" she said to her
self, while the tears of wounded feeling
gushed from her eyes-"I might in time
have loved him so WELL that the discovery
of his character would almost have broken
my heart. | have now only to think of
my duty to my parents, and dear, dear
Philip"
Philip Lee was two years older than
Grace, and though an invalid from child
hood, was young man OF uncommon
strength of mind, and loveliness of charac-
ter. From his inability to labor OH the
farm, it was early declded, that, If possible,
he should have an education; and it was
the first wish of his heart to become quail
fed for the gospel ministry. BY great ex-
ertions and selt-denia on his own part, he
had succeeded with the little aid his father
could bestow, in fitting himself to enter col
lege one year in advance, and the whole
family were looking forward with eager
anticipation, to the time when they should
listen to his voice from the sacred desk
To Grace, particularly, who dolized her
brother, this hope had become part of her
own existence, and she felt that no sacri-
flee was too great, no labor, too severe, to
ensure its accomplishment. But Philip
possessed portion Of her own independ-
dence, and she must conceal her plans and
wishes from him, or he would have refused
to profit by her generous affection.
The day of parting at length came, and
accompanied by her father, Grace Lee left
the beloved home of her childhood, to en-
ter on the new and untried scenes that
awaited her. All was at first strange and
unpromising, and with a hear-sickness
never before felt. she sought the solitude of
her own apartment, that she might weep
without restraint. But she was young and
hopeful, and the morning brought happier
thoughts and renewed courage, for was she
not there to help those who were dearer 10
her than life itself-and would not this
alone make everything tolerable and even
pleasant! 1t certainly was so, for the
light of love shone on every object around
her, gliding with its own radiant hues the
monotonous labor in which she was enga-
ged-and making even the ceaseess hum of
the machinery sweeter music to her ear
than the warbling Of the songsters in her
own native groves. 1t was important for
her to secure high wages, and she did so,
but not even for this would she neglect the |
cultivation of her mind, in the few leisure |
hours she might call her own. Her little
room was sacred spot, where order and |
neatness presided, and carefully-tended |
flowers, well chosen books, and good col
lection of music, spoke the taste and refine
merit of its occupant. Without in the least |
neglecting her daily duties, she was ena-
bled, by judicious improvement. of time,
in attending lectures, and following course
of reading, to acquire an amount of useful
knowledge, far exceeding that of many
young lady VINO has spent years at fash
ionable boarding school. Her manners,
too, though perfectly simple and unaffected,
were graceful and dignifed, and no one
could look on her sweet face, through
which heart and mind were ever speaking,
without feeling OF deep interest and invo-
luntary admiration.
Four years had now passed away since
Grace Lee became an inhabitant of lowell
and in that time, the mortgage on the
"home farm" had been paid off by her, and
her father now sat in his accustomed nook,
with the glad consciousness that the inheri-
tance which had descended to him, would
90 down to his children unencumbered bv
a single debt. Besides this, Philip had
been compelled, by her sisterly affection,
to accept of her assistance in his course of
study, and was now, thanks to her gener-
oslty, licensed minister, looked up to by
all who knew him, as young man OF more
tndn ordinary pTotnise' Ohce year sne
visited for few short days, the dear spot
where her affections were garnered, and it
always seemed to the household, after her
departure, as if the sun shone less brightly
than usual, when they missed the light of
her smile and the music of her voice from
their midst.
But now the farmer and his wife were
growing old, and could no longer spare her,
and on the next Sabbath, her brother was
to preach for the first time inthe old church
of Meredith, so Grace Lee babe farewell TO
the spot endeared to her by many recollec-
tions, and at the close OF bright summer
day, found herself once more amid her ear
liest and dearest friends, under the paternal
roof from which she had so long been an
exile. 1t was happy circle that surround
ed the family altar that night, and as the
young clergyman, in deep, rich voice,
that trembled with emotion, thanked God
for the way in which he had led them, and
above all, for the safe return of her whom
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