The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1852-04-15
WASHINGTON, d. &C.
For the National Era.
ST Oh Y OF A LI,F E.
CHAPTER Id Family Group.


half century since, might have been seen stand
ing on a smooth lawn, fronting q large, irregu-
lar old mansion, group of four sisters-not
quite old enough to be coneidered young ladies,
nor vet so young rs to be altogether regarded
as children In the family they were called
g the girls "a brother being the dividing-line
between them and the three elder sisters of the
household; in their vicinity three little lads
were trundling hoops and flying kites, ANNA
ted in their sports by the notice of their father
who was watching them from the window of
his study with beaming smile of encourage
Inent upon his benevolent countenance.
Look, papa-look," exclaimed the delight
cd boys as the kite scared far above the roof
of the venerable old building, "it almost
touches the clouds
The girls, who had been conversing in an
under-tone now joined their brothers. and were
about mngling in their sport, when a young
officer, dismounting at the gateway, walked up
the long avenue, and stood upon the lawn be-
side the group Politely bowling he inquired
for Miss Elizabeth, and the eldest of the four
proceeded with him toward the house. Ere
they reached it however, she stopped, and say
ing, There is my sister" excused herself. and
joined the circle ON the lawn.
Elizabeth sat in deep window of the draw
ing-room. scarlet riding habit closely but
toned in 'front.' displayed her superb figure to
the greatest adyantage-she was tall, but its
long graceful folds made her height appear
greater than it really was. Her fair, white
hand rested upon the head of large dog, who
was looking up into her face with an almost
human expression of love, in return for her
gentle caress. In her countenanee was some-
thing of the benign expression of her fathers
mellowed into an angelic sweetness Il rested
there like an unshadowed moonlight; and if it
was an indication of the spirit within. one
might almost have deemed a sweet Sabbath of
repOse had lulled to a perpetual calm the
thoughts of it possessor Her voice. also, was in
harmony with all her looks and movements
naturally sweet, yet subtle, it was like the fine
futetones of an instrument perfectly under the
command of its player She rose upon the en-
trance of the officer returned his greeting with
an affable smile chatted a few moments, and
then, carelessly pushing aside her flaxen curls,
placed her riding-cap, which lay beside her,
upon her head Taking her ivory handled
whip and gathering the folds of her dress about
her, she said
"You see am prompt to our appointment"
and led the way to the hall door, where a SER
want held both horses ready for them to mount.
The morning was delicious dews,
scarcely yet exhaled by the sun, rested in gilt
tcring drops on every leaf and blade of grass,
sparkling among the hawthorn hedges like
scattered sprays of diamond.
@Oh, 1T rs spicy morning. said Elizabeth,
as she urged her horse into dashing canter
"eyery blossom is sending up an incense of
praise
"Yes" replied her companion
The morning Shines and the fresh field
lalto Al - 10 IL k.~~o ..rs..
Our tended plsntz--how blows the citron grove
What drops the mJrh, and what the bamy reed
How mature paints her colors-how the bee
Sits on tho bloom extracting liquid sweet"
Thequotation is appropriate, and we should
render our tribute Of thanks to the poet, for
thus giving language to the feelings which
every grateful heart must experience in the pos
session of such universal blessings as light, sun
shine, and air. Imagine a world of darkness,
world of clouds--nay" said she, kindling
with the picture her fancy had created, "ratber
let US dwell upon that glorious revelation of
Gods power. When He said, Let there be
light what golden flood of rays must have
leaped forth at His word of command, llumi-
mating newly formed universe
Lieutenant Aylesworth listened admiringly
to the enraptured girl; but skeptical in his own
religious belief did not pursue the conversation.
He unfolded enough, however in his casual re-
marks TO induce her to entertain the opinion
that his views were at variance with her own,
and this led her into tram of thought, the
result of which had an important influence on
her after-life The diversified scenery, the
freshness of the morning, aud the exhilarating
motion Of the well-trained horses, lent charm
to these dashing rides, long remembered by the
lovely sisters and were recalled with vivid pleas
urc when the lapse Of years and the changes
which time unerringly brings separated them
from each other. Itwould be pleasant task to
trace the history and fortunes of each of the
daughters descended from the ancient family
OF the Gournays. in Normandy Like the seven
Peiades, they shone in unity of brightness,
rich in attractions. Individually they possessed
talent and originality, to which was added a
peculiar loyeliness of personal appearance, and
depth and warmth of affection, blended with
gentle dignity and refinement. So far, they
were similar in the general outlines of charac-
ter only: for as womanhood developed the De-
eullar traits Of each, and circumstances called
Their natural powers into action, great individ-
9ahty was discernble in several of the sisters.
r.n,aoe,n displayed this most conspiouously
anu WIN her, therefore, our story will have most
70 90 IL Is no fiction. This shrinking, timid
gri was moulded INTO the high-souled and fear
booon,a si.' "sh'hearted, careless chlld
bondao Rod n@ey-.emPered instrument, in the
San s VI ner creator tor the benefit Of the most
S luz 81 comprehension, her skill in adapting
he er'1n 20 lne mental capacities of those around
ner, betrayed the existence OF that uncommon
Pene'[auoh Tor which she was afterwards 80
remarkable ma
me evening OF the day upon which this lovely
,ainny group is introduced to the reader, was
70 Zee; De closed ny large party at the Hall Here