The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1859-07-14
NEW SERlES--NO lS9.

was regularly attended TO a course Of read
ing suggested by her former teacher WAS
pursued nor were the household duties NO.
elected. In the early autumn letter from
Edward informed them that Henry E,ring-
ton had sailed for Calcutta, 10 be gone a
long time. The last hope was extingaishcd
and the last tears shed,
A short time after this event letter from
sister Annie urged Ellen 10 come and pass
the winter with her. Annie had visited her
parents but twice since her marriage, and
Ellen had by no means the familiar feeling
toward her that Lucy possessed. She hard
" liked the thought OF leaving home for six
months. But tho companions Of her journey
had been suggested by her sister, and she
found that Il was expected by oil the family
that she would accept the invitation.
She went TO her sisters home on the wide
prairie. II was q strange change, but the
novelty interested her. Hanson and his wife
had now been there fourteen years. Every
thing about them was comfortable and abun.
dant, They had n largo farm, good house,
and all In il that their condition made desi-
rablc. They had u lovely family Of five
children. II is true they had not the ad.
vantage Of schools ut hand, but they had in
structed their children IA much M other
cares would allow them. Ellen ut once saw
where she could he most useful, and under.
took the task Of teaching without hesitation.
She found herself . most welcome guest,
and her sister most interesting companion.
She enjoyed her present prosperity the
more that she had suffered many priva-
tions during the early part Of her western
residence. She loved to tell Ellen Of the
log house In which she had lived Gvo years.
and her vnrious efforts 10 make Il hAbita-
BILE. Her life had been one Of many expc-
dents but she had had among some dis
appointments u great deal Of happiness.
John Hansons strong arm and warm heart
had always aided and cheered her. and she
Ind also much capacity and energy TO assist
him. Annie had something oi Aunt Patty's
strong will; but her carly love for John
Hanson. and her tender interest In the dear
little ones, had soitened her character.
With such companions and empIoymcnts
the winter passed rapidly away.
They were not always without company
their neighbors at n low 'nilcs distance came
10 them occasionally and their company
afforded hilarity and enjoyment. One,
fine looking young man, who resided two
miles away, always stopped after church on
Sunday. Tho church was Methodist, and
four miles away The ladies OF the family
did not always attend but John, and
the children went when they did not, and ho
was suro TO bring Patterson home with him.
Patterson had lived on new farm few
years, with mother aud two sisters. The
elder sister was about 10 mrrry and live IN
IA town ten miles away. There seemed 70
be u change coming over the family, and
Patterson was delighted to make the nc.
quaintance Of one whom be thought 10
persuade 10 become hs own. Ellen soon
perceived the design, but knew not how 10
stop IL, until the question was asked, and
his hopes frustrated. The circumstance was
managed IN 10 simple q manner that John
and bis wife had to know the whole and
they were greatly disappointed. John
assured her that Patterson was an excellent
fellow, and would do everything he could
for her happiness, and Annie did 50 want
her for a neighbor that she was almost i'm.
Fortunate. Ellen could not crafty them,
and could not tell them that the preference
for another still fingered with her. II pass.
cd but the residence was lcss pleasant
than IL had been before, and she welcomed
the time 0f her return 70 her own home !;
and she perualed her brother and sister 10
allow her 10 take with her the eldest daugh.
Ter, twelve years Of age, 10 remain year,
and s,lI be her pupil. The mother consent
cd reluctantly but the father said You
know sbe mus, have advantages we cannot
give her here" And the sacrifice was
made. The young Mary Hanson made her
first Journey with her aunt and merchant
going 10 New York from the neigbboring
town. Edward received them. and went
with them 70 the patcrnal home.
Ellen was delighted 10 rcinstate herself IN
her former dwelling, with the love Of her
parents, the compapionsblp, and the fond
rccolections which she could not dismiss.
When II was known that che was the in.
siructor Of her niece, Colonel Thompson,
who lived ut the mill, two miles away, came
and urged her 70 undertake the charge Of
two mo,berless daughters. Dear Marys age.
The parents consented. Margaret and
Fanny came every day. Ellen was glad Of
daily task she felt that she could bear
her fate better when her mind was occupied.
She took grea, interest 10 ber employment.
Her pupils were intelligent She went
abroad with them for flowers. and gave them
practical instruction 10 botany gave them
drawing lessons and lessons on The piano
80 that the s:hool hours we're not 40 long q
10 make them tedious. The summer psssed
quickly. The short autumn days were filed
with various employmep1, and the cold and
snov Of winter curtAiled their pursuib ont
Of doors, but gave more time f6s study and
reading.
The winter went bv. and oue afternoon In