The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1859-10-21
From the Warerley Magazine.
ALICE GRAYsoN.
by f. DENNET THORN.


That Alice Grayson was rare beauty
none could deny, but it was almost impossible
to say in what her beauty consisted. The
flashing eye, the glowing cheek, the dim.
pied mouth all murored her pure and
guileless soul. Ru: it was in tho varied
expression Of her countenance, like the
changing tints of the kaleidoscope, that her
charms lay.-Her face was the index of her
heart; open and unsuspecting. The only
child of a widowed father, "lhe child of
his old age" she was the idol of his heart.
Ior endowments Of nature were all she
possessed, for her means were too limited
to admit of her acquiring those various
accomplishments now considered SO impor.
tant in female education. The crownipg
gem ofwoman's character-piety-she pos
sessed in an eminent degree. Tn the bloom of
youth, before her heart had become tainted
with the atmosphere of sinful world. she
had dedicated herself to the service of God,
Of whom she bad been taught by her sainted
mother and her venerable father.
They lived in small village, on the
banks of the "blue Juniata,' where Mr..
Grayson acted in the humbie capacity of
teacher in the village School. Of course
his revenue was very small.-Alice was bis
atfectIonate housekeeper, and her buoyant
disposition smoothel over the "trifiing ca resi-
SO vexlng to most persons. "The path Of
sorrow" was fast opening to poor Alice 8
hitherto untried footsteps. Intense applica
ion to his duties had injured her fathers
eyes, which were never very strong, and he
began to fear the issue.
One evening, as Alice wasnoving lightly
about preparing her fathers supper, and
singing blihcly as bird she was startled
by sigh which came from the depths of
her fathers heart. Instantly the song was
hushed, and going to her father she knelt
by his side, and smoothing his locks, on
which the SHOWS Of old age were falling fast,
she said
Father, dear, what troubles you I have
always been the sharcr Of your joys; do let
me also, share your sorrows.'
"My darling child, my heart is filled
with grief, my eyes are failing fast, and
fear that soon the "Llackness of darkness
will obscure my vision.'' ,.
"Oh think not so, my dear father! Cheer
up, and let lis not anticipate evil"
ut is oaly for your sake, my Alice, that
| fear, Who will take care of and, shelter
you. and previde for your sustenance
Aices face lost its animation as her father
= spoke thus sadly Of their future, and she
burst into tears and wept long and unrcs.
tranedly. At length, CLEAN Of sunshine
passed over her face, and with womsn's
faith she exclaimed, .He who feedsth the
ravens, and knoweth whom a sparrow faIleil,
to the groun'l' will surely protect US from
the wintry blasts Of poverty"
"IIeaven bless sou my daughter! Unde,
tho heavy burden which soppresses Inc,
had welnigh forgotten the. source Of ou'
many blessings. Let us thank him for his
mercies past and trust to him for the
future" =
After the frugal meal, Mr.. Grayson rever.
emily returned thanks for their many mercies
and after imploring divine protection and
guidance in their trying circumstances, the
father and daughter separated for the night
In ono night Alice Graysonzssemed to- have
lived a whole, existence. Her joyous look
had given place to thoughtful'and earnest
expression, and high and noble resolve
shone in her eye. .s
! "Afy dear. CHILD, ,"saiJ, Mr.. sG,syson latter
the mornings greetings. wers OVER you
look as though some important idea were,
Minery@like, toisPring from your ,b,sip,ssy :
"I am glad dear father, to hear that !
have even the appearance Of braips, ss they
will he n'uclr needed in what i m.sboutto
4 jsundsrtake,ss she answered, playfnliy; abut
4 as ypngtriiy pbssrvesIaa Important idea HIS
chased "balmy sleep" from my ,syelids 1t
is that you relinqnisii your dpiiss, WHICH
are impaifing your health and sight, and
/, acceptas assubstituta Miss .sAlics SaGrayson,
spips,er Nov ldpn,t Say sbay," isseisSIhs
was sboutso ospeak, t,forir whspss s~sman
1twill sbe'Nsllr Z Should your eyes ipprese, I
willie tarnscsspt YEN q py sabstitate,"'
r ar Ssrssst 49,: 3 .j,