Eaton Democrat. [volume] (Eaton, Ohio) 1843-1856, 1854-10-19


But sister Ellen was to be married--and
married to Mr.. Neville. Andthen, 'Oh, sister,
you are going away 10 lndiaP burst from our
lips with fresh gush Of sobs.
was the first that booked up into Ellen's
troubled face. It was heaying with emotion
that ruflled its calmness, as the tide ruflles the
sea. Her lips were frmly compressed, her
eyes were fixed on some distant dream glaSsed
with two tears that stood still in their chalces
forbidden 10 fall. almost trembled as
caught her glance. ....
Sister Agnes--Emilyn she exclaimed, In
a husky whisper. Hush! be calm Don't
break my heart, do lore him less than
|. The effort was too much; the words died
on her lips. We lifted her to bed, frightened
into forgetfUlness of her own grief. We soth-
ed her, until she, too, wept freey and pas
sionately and in weep ng grew strong for the
sacrifice 10 which she had pledged her heart.
We never spoke another word Of remon-
STRANGE 10 her tender heart though often, in
the few months that fitted by US together, we
used 10 choke with sObbing in some speech
that hinted Of the coming separation, and hurry
from her presence to cry alone. 49,.
Our Mother had told us the tidings with
white lips that quivered tenderly and sadly
No love is so uniformly unSelfiSh as mothers
surely; for though she leaned on Ellen as the
strong staff of her declining years she sorrow
ed not as we did, that she was going. She too
| was happy in the thought that her child had
| found that pearl ofprice,' in cold and evil
world--a true, noble, loving heart 10 guide and
| protect her. s.
Father sat silent in the chimney corner, read
| ing in the family Bible. ne was looking
1 further than any of us--to the perils that would
! environ bis dearest daughter, and the pTiva-
tions that would come upon her young life, in
! that unhealthy, uncivi lied corner Of the globe
whittier she was going. Both our parens had
dedicated their children 10 God; and they
would not cast even a shadow on the path Of
selfsacrfice and duty their darling had cho
sen. ..... ....... ~.
To come down to the unromantic little de-
tails Of wedding preparations; how we stitched
and trimmed, packed and repared-stoned
rasng with tears in our eyes and seasoned the
wedding cake with sighs. But there is little
use in thinking over these things. Ellen was
first and foremost in all, as she had always
been in any emergency, great or small
Nothingcould be made wthorther. Even the
BRIDES cake was taken from the oven by her
own fair hands, because no one, servant, sis
ter, or even mother, was willing TO run the
risk of burning sister Ellen's BRIDES cake; and
she knew just how to bake it.
We were not left alone in our abors, for
| Ellen had been loved by more than the home
roof sheltered. Old and young, poor and rich
united in bringing their gifts, regrets, blessings
10 the chosen companion of the pastor they
were soon TO lose. There is something in the
idea OF missionary life that touches the sym
pathy of every heart which mammen has not
loo long scared. To see one, with sympathies
| retinemeuts like our own, rend the strong ties
that bind -tc country end -~hornc5' cuuifort-arrr
civilization, for the good of the lost and degra-
ded heather, brings too strongly into relief by
contrast the SelfishneSs of most human lives
led among the gayeties and luxuries Of time.
| The day; the hour came. The ship was 10
sail from B. on the evening week, and il must
take away an idol. . ats ,"
She stood up in the village church, till
| all who loved her and longed for another
sight of her sweet face might look upon her,
and hear the simple words that should link
hearts for eternity We sisters all around heI
but not too near; for our hearts were overflow
ing, and we could not we,r the happy faces
that should gracea train of bridesmaids. She
had cheered us through the day with sunshine
from her own heart, and even while we array
ed her in her simple muslin, like lamb to-
sacrifice she had charmed our thoughts into
bcheerfulness. ltseemed like some dream
fairy land, and she, The embodiment OF grace
and loveineSs, acting the part si some Queen
Titania for little while. The dream chang
ed 10 far different reality, when at the doc
of her mother room, she put her hand int
; that of Henry Neville, and lifted her eye witt
J look that saida ..Where thou goest will
60, even from all beside.p' psi. ~
Tears fell fast in that assembly; though the
, good old matrons tried TO smile, as they pas
sed around the bride, to bless her and bid hel
good bye. A little girl in patched but clear
frock, pushed forward, with boquet OF VIC
lets and strawberry blossoms in her hand.
.'Here, Miss Nelly-please Miss Nelly" she
! cried half laughing, half soObing, picke(
them on purpose for you I"
Ellen stood and kissed the little, eager face
The child burstinto tears, ,and caught the folds
OF her dress, as though she would have buried
her face there. But a strong armed woman
mindful of the bride's attire, snacbed The
t child away. ~ .1 s.i @ -'
| "And fol, what would ye be whimperng in
that way, as if you had any right TO Miss 81
: len 2"
"She was always good TO me, and she's ny
5 Sunday school teacher,'' pleaded the little sir
I in subdued undertone.
Agnes drew her 10 her side and silentl!
cOmiorted her.
S "Step aside-Father Herrick is bereW sid
one just then. ......,....
y The crowd about the bridal pair opened #
; admit d white haired, haIf-blind old man, ,wht
: came leaning on The arm of his rosy eranC
: dsughter. Father derrick was superanua
: Tied deacon, whose good words and works bat
5 won him place in every heart in that assem-
\ bly,. ssae u e.
e "They told me she was q, going" he mur
: INJURED 10 himself "they say is her, wedding
D | want to see my little girl again-bless her,
b Ellen sprang forward and laid both he
S white trembling hands in the lUrge hand o
the good Oldham He drew her near his failing
eyes and looked searthinglyinto her young
S soul-ht countenance.
+ al can't just see you, dating; and they tel
1 me shall never see you again Well, if We
, lgo in Gods way we Shall all get to Heaven
: and it's all right there!", He raised bis hans
b lover her head, and added solemny. "Th
! blessings Of blessings be upon thee, my child
s Amen p'
n "Amen," echoed the voico of Henry Ne
d vile and Ellen looked up with The look Of al
II angel '.a,,... ,....-.5 II, .t..'..
: So she went from us Oh, the last momen
e IoF that parting hour has burnt itself into m
j II L. rIsa.x = i., ~, ~ a n ba.rt n dnr