The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1856-06-04
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And sometimes shadow Of sadness stole
over her face, as If the thought of leaving
SO much beauty were painful.
who gathers these flowers 7" she ask
cd one day, after looking long time at
beautiful boquet, the language of which
was, " Faithful until death"
Can You not guess I" said her mother
with a sad smile.
Annic's pale face flushed, and her eyes
were dim with tears, as she murmurcd,
Il hoped he had forgotten"
She was silent awhile, and then said,
in a low tone
Mother, when yoa see that | am dy.
ing, let him come; and, mother. keep
these flowers he brings, and put them with
the hair gave you."
"lcs, darling;" and the mother turned
away to hide the hlinding tears.
May came, and the silver buds swclled
into leaves, and the orchards were laden
with fragrant blossoms. The landscape
on which Annie's eye rested, was no lon
ger brown and chccrlcSS. The gushing
song Of birds came through the open viii
dows from the green Woodland; the smooth
lawn was carpeted with soft grass; the
garden was bright with the flowers she
had planted; and the graceful willows
she loved so well, waved their light branch
cs before her windows. One day she had
been unusually cheerful. Her eyes were
bright, her check flushed; and very
faint hope that she was better tremLed
in her parents hearts.
Annie, my love, do you not feel better
and sirongcr!' inquired Mrs. leighton, as
the invalid, supported by pillows, gazed
with smile of delight on the sky, now
brilliant with the varying glory OF sunset.
les, mother; the weary Traveller al
ways feels happier when almost home"
"Oh, Annie, my child if we could keep
you here ~ and the tears fell fast on the
thin, white hand her mother held.
Annie, my daughter, how can | give
YOU up" and the fathers strong frame
shook with suppressed emotion.
Can You wish to keep me away from
heaven AWAY from God Let me 90
cheerfulIy, for God hath called me -
There Is voice in my soal, which tells
me that even now the shadows Of the dark
valley are closing around me-; but," she
added, looking upward with an express
sion Of reverence and love, q" will fear no
evil, for Thou art with me; Thy rod and
Thy staff they comfort me-"
Night came softly down, with her dark
blue skies, and myriads Of gittering stars;
but still there was no very decided change
IN Annie; and her mother urged her to
rest.
No, mother; shall never sleep again.
There shall be no more night for me; for
the glory of the Lord will be the light of
my home"
Henry Warner came, and knelt in an
agony OF anguish beside her; but the sub
lime taith, the tervcnt love, the holy calm
ness, seeming to gather strength as the
tic i mortality were looscned, awed even
the deep grief Of his breaking heart and
no sound of passionate weeping disturbed
IT," dying one. With her own cold hand
she gave him the little kccpsakes she had
treasured for him; whispering words Of
affection and hope, which, in after life,
w,rc the still, small voice which cheered
him onward in lif.'s battle. Slowly a
change came over her and with words of
triumphant joy, mingled with the sobs
and bitter weeping Of those around her,
the spirit went home just AS the stars were
ealing in the kindling sky. Joy for the
freed soul, lost to us in the brightness Of
heaven, as the stars are lost in the brlli.
ancc OF morning