Eastern times., 1855-03-15
in their chalices, forbidden to fall | almost
trembed as | caught her glance.

| trembled as caught ner glance.
Sister! Agnes-Emilyl' she exclaimed
in a husky voice. Hush. be calm-don' 4
break my heart do love him less than
The effort was too much-the words died
on her lips. We lifted her to the bed, fright
ened into forgetfulness of our own grief We
soothed her until she too wept freely and pas
sIonately, 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 that fitted by us together, we
used TO choke with sobbing, in some remark
that limited of the coming separation, and hur
ried from her presence TO weep alone.
Our mother had told us the tidings with
white lips that quivered tenderly and sadly.
No love is so uniformly unselfsh as a moth
er's, surely, for though she leaned on Ellen
as the strong staff of her declining years, she
sorrowed not as we did that she was going.
She was too happy in the thought tina, her
daughter had found that pearl of great
price, in cold and evil world-a true, low
ing, noble heart to guide and protect her.
Father sat in the chimney corner, reading
the family Bible. He was looking farther
than any of us-to the perils that would en-
viron his dearest daughter, and the priva,ions
that might come upon her lite, in that un-
healthy. uncivilized corner of the globe whith-
er she was going. Both our parents had ded-
icated their children to Cod and they would
not cast even shadow on the path of self
sacrifice and duty their darling had chosen.
To come down 10 the unromantic little de-
tails of wedding preparations we stitched
and trimmed, but there is little use in think
ing over these things. Ellen was the first
and foremost in all, as she had ever BEEN
Nothing could be. done without her. Even
the brides cake was taken from the oven bv
her own fair hands, because no one-servant,
sister or even mother, was willing to run
the risk OF burning sister Ellen's bridal cake !;
and she knew just 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, poor and
rich, united in bringing their gifts, regrets
and blessings, to the chosen companion of
their pastor. There is something in the idea
of missionary life that touches the sympathy
OF every heart that mammon has not too long
scared. To see one with sympathies and re-
fnements like onr own, rend the strong ties
that bind TO country and home, comfort and
civilization, for the good of the lost and de-
graded heather, bring too strongly into reliet,
by contrast, the selfshness of human lives
led among the gayeties and luxuries of time
The day-the hour came The ship was
10 sail from B on the ensuing week, and
it must take away an idol.
She stood up in the village church, that all
who loved her, and longed for another sight
at her sweet face, might look upon her, to
speak the simple words that would link hearts
for eternity We sisters all around her, but
not too near, for our hearts were overhowing,
and we could not wear the happy faces that
should grace. a train of bridesmaids. She
had cheered US through the day with the sun
shine from her own heart, and even while we
were arraying her in simple white muslin,
like lamb for sacrifice, she had charmed our
thoughts inta cheertulness. 1T seemed like
some dream of fairy land-she, the embodi-
ment of grace and loveliness, acting the part
of some Queen Titania, for awhile. The
dream changed into one of far different reali.
ty, when at the door of her mothers room
she placed her hand into that of Henry Ne
vile, and lifted her eyes with look that said
Where thou goest will go, even from all
the world besides
Tears fell fast in that assembly, though
the good old matrons tried 10 smile as they
passed around the bride TO bless her and bid
her good by. A little girl in patched but
clean frock, pushed forward with a bouquet
of violets and strawberry blossoms in her hand
Here, Miss Nelly-please, Miss Nelly,
she cried, half laughing, half sObbing-'l
picked them on purpose for you
Ellen stopped and kissed the little eager
face. The child burst into tears and caugh
the folds of her dress, as though she woult
have buried her face there. But strong
armed woman, mindful of the BRIDES attire
snatched the child away.
'And what would ye be whimpering in tha
style, as if ye had any right 10 Miss Ellen I,
She was always good TO me and she's m,
Sunday school teacher, pleaded the little CIR
in subdued undertone.
Agnes drew her aside and silently comfort
ed her,
Step aside-Father Herrick is here sal,
one just then.
The crowd about the bridal pair opened c
admit white-haired, half blind old man, VIII
came leaning on the arm of his rosy grand
daughter Father Herrick was a superannu
ated deacon whose good words and works ha
won place in every heart of that assembly
They told me she was going he mur
INJURED to himsel-'they say It's her wedding
| want to see my little girl again and bles
her.
Ellen sprang forward and laid both he
white trembling hands in the large hand {
d,V1 4