Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1851-03-24


out 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 We're dearer
than life itselt--and would not this alone
make things tolerable and even pleasant
1t certainly was so, for the light Of love
shone on every object around her, gliding
with its own radiant hucs the monptpnous
labor in which she was engagcd-and max
ing even the ceaseless hum Of the machine
ry sweeter music to her ear than the warb-
ling of the songsters in her own native
groves. itwas important iorhcr 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 loom wa-
sacred spot, where order and ncatness
presided, and carefully tended flowers,
well chosen books. and good collection
Of music, spoke the taste and refinement
Of its occupant. Without in the least neg
lceting her daily duties, she was enabled,
by judicious improvement of time, in at
tending lectures, and following course Of
reading, to acquire an amount of useful
knowledge, far exceeding that of many a
young lady who has spent years at a fash
ionable boarding school. Her manners,
too, though perfectly simple and unaficct-
ed, We're graceful and dignifcd, and no one
could look on her sweet face, through
which heart and mind were ever speaking
without feeling of deep interest and in
voluntary admiration.
Four years had now passed away since
Grace Lee had become an inhabitaLt OF
Lowell-and in that time, the mortgage on
the ''home farm" had been paid onby her
and her father now sat in his accustomed
nook, with the glad consciousness that the
inheritance which had descended to him
would go down tohs childrenunincumber-
ed by asingle 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 toh her gencrosi.
ty, licensed minister, looked up to by all
who knew him, as a young man of more
than ordinary promise. Once year she
visited, for few short days, the dear spo,
where her affections We're garnered, and i,
always seemed to the household, after hci
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 olonger spare her
and on the next Sabbath her brother wa,
to preach for the first time in the old churcl
of Meredith, so Grace Lee babe farewell
to the spot cndeared to her by many re
collections, and at the close of a bright sum
mer day, found herself once more amids
her earliest and deariest friends, under til,
patcrnal roof from which she had so lonl
been an exile. 1t was a happy circle tina
surrounded the family altar that night, ant
as the young clergyman, in u deep, ricl
voice, that trembled with emotion, thanke,
God for the way in which he had led them
and above all, for the safe return of hel
whom hehad made the messenger of mercy
tohcr fathers house, Grace felt that such
moment more than repaid her for all the sa
criGce she had made.
"Grace," said younger brother to her
few days after her return-"Mr. Day
ton doesn't dare to look you in the face
though | saw him stealing glance, whcl
he thought no one was observing him.
Poor man-his wife is anything but
treasure, if report speaks truth, and if h
did not sell rum to make money, he woulc
have to shut up his store. How glad l an
that you did not have him-but are yo,
really going to be an old maid 7"
Before the quick blush that crimsonet
the check of orr heroine, at this simpl,
question, had subsidized, Philip exclaimed
| with a smile--'1 must not divulge the Sc
crcts Of the confessional, but if common
fame speaks truly, certain manufacturer
whose wealth is his least recommendation
is about to visit Beech bill on a special cr
rand. Our dear Grace has performed hel
part so admirably in his mill, that he wish
es to try her services as n housekeepcr-i
it not so Grace?
"Neyer mind" said the fond father, who
saw her embarrassment, what common
fame says. Hear the voice of experience
while | say, that the woman, who as {
daughter, and sister, has, like our owl
Grace, been dutiful, afiectionate, and self
sacrificing, will certainly, whatever her sta
ton in life may be, make virtuous and cx
cellent wife"