The Portsmouth inquirer. [volume] (Portsmouth, O. [Ohio]) 1849-1855, 1854-12-22

than" 3l..sl
The effort was too much; the words died ,
on her lips. We lifted her to bed, fright
ened into forgetfulness of our own grief,--
We soothed her, until she too wept freely
and passionately, and in weeping grew
strong for the sacrifice to which she had
pledged her heart
We never spoke another word Of remon- |
STRANGE to her tender heart, though often
in the few months fitted by us together, we
used to choke with sobbing, in some speech
that hinted Of the coming separation and
hurry from her presence to cry alone.
Our mother had told us the tidings with
white lips that quivercd tenderly and sad
ly. No love is SO uniformly unselfsh as
mothers surely for though she leaned on
Ellen as the strong staff Of her declining
years, she sorrowcd not as we did, that she
was going. She was too happy in the
thought that child had found that "pearl
of great price" in this evil world-a true,
noble heart to protect her.
Father sat silent in the chimney corner,
reading in the family Bible. He was look
ing farther than any of us-to the perils
that would environ his dearest daughter,
the privations that might come upon her
life, in that unhealthy, uncivilized corner
of the globe, whittier she was going Both
our parents had dedicated their children to
God and they would not cast even shad-
ow on the path ofself-sacrifce and duty
their darling had chosen.
To come down to the unromantic little
details of wedding preparation how we
stitched and trimmed, packed and prepar-
ed-stoned raisins with tears in our eyes,
and seasoned the wedding cakes with 81 chs.
But there is little use in thinking over these
things. Ellen was the first and foremost
in all, as she had been in every emergen-
cies great and small. Nothing could be
made without her. Even the -bride-cake
was taken from the oven by her own fair
hands, because no one-sister, or even
mother-was willing to run the risk of
burning sister Ellen's bride cake, and she
knew jost how to bake it.
| We were not left alone in our labors,
for Ellen had been loved by more than the
home roof sheltered. Old and young,
rich and poor. united in bringing their
gifts, regrets and blessing to be chosen
companion of the pastor they were SO soon
to loose. There is something in the idea
Of missionary life that touches the sympa-
thy Of every heart that mammon has not
too long scared. To see one with sympa-
thies and refinements like our own, rend
the strong ties that bind 10 counuy and
home, comfort and civilization, for the
good OF the lost and degraded heathen
bring too strongly into relief by contrast
the sel6shness of most human lives led a
mong the gayeties and luxuries of time.
The day, the hour came. The ship was
to sail from B., on the ensuing week
and it must take away an idol.
She stood up in the church, that all whC
, loved her, and longed for another sight o
! her sweet face, might look upon her anc
: speak the words that would link heart
= for eternity.
We sisters all around her, but not to,
!, near, for our hearts were oyerhowing, ant
we could not wear the happy faces tina
should grace the train of bridesmaids
: She had cheered us through the day will
the sunshine from her own heart, and eve
u while we were arraying her i'm sinpl
! white muslin, like lamb for sacrifice, sh
u = had charmed our thoughts into cheerful
4 ness. Itseemed like some dream of fair
n !, land, and she the embodiment of grace an
Al lovliness, acting the part of some Quee
10 Titania, for little while The drear
:, changed to far different reality, when
= the door of her mothers room she put he
u I: hand into that of Henry Neville, and LITE
NJ her eye with look that said, "Where the
= goest | will co. even from all beside.
y Tears fell fast in that assembly, thoug
- the good old matrons tried to smile as the
y passed around the bride to bless her an
: bid her good bye. A little girl in patel
sS : ed but clean frock pushed forward, wit
!. n boquet Of yiolets and strawberry bio
~ SONS il her hand.
! "Here, Miss Nelly-please Miss Nelly,
~ l she cried, half laughing half sobbing, :
y picked them on purpose for you"
r Ellen stopped and kissed the little eag
~ !, face. The child burst into tears and eaug
~ the folds of her dress, as though she wou
~ ! have buried her face there. But strol
70 armed woman, mindful Of the brides atti
~ snatched the child away.
~ "And for what would We be whimperil
a. q, in that style, as if you had any right
vi Miss Elem"
as ''She was always good to me, and sh,
:. as my Sunday school teacher" pleaded 1
~ ~ little girl and subdued tone. H 7
l.n Agnes drew her to her side and silent
lee comforted her.
Us I "Step aside-Father Aerrick is here
. 9 said one just then.
3, The crowd about the bridal pair open
u to admit white-haired, half blind (
u man, who came leaning on the arm Of
% rosy grand daughter Father Aertick y
~ =. a superanuated deacon, whose good VOL
40 and works had won for him place
~ every heart in that assembly. s.
w "They told me she was going"
u mmInured to himself, they say It's !
wedding. | want to see my little &
nd again--and bless her.
Oh Ellen sprang forward and laid her wh
rst trembling hands in the large hand Of I
J. good old man. He drew near her bis f
ms ing eyes, and looked searchingly into