The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1859-10-21

though at first there was some rebellion
among the boys at the idea of a woman
teaching them, yet her frmness subdued
them, and her amiable and loving manners
soon won all hearts. Each day found her
more and more devoted to the heaven in
sp'red task; nor did she neglect her mania
told duties at home. Her fathers heart
was bound up in her life. Could we blame
h'm IT t. oughts like to iIolatry mingled
with his feelings? Gradually the veil fell
over Mr.. Grayson'o sight, till at length that
most precinus of all senses was lost TO him.
Poor Alice How heavy was the blow But
she knew the finger Of her God had closed
the vision Of her fathers orbs, and she MUIR
INJURED, mo: my will, but Thine be DONE"
1t was touching light to see the old man
leaning upon his beloved child, as they
went 10 the house Of God, or to watch
them on summer evening, beneath the
jasmine that clambcred over tho door, rs
Alice in her rich, full tones, read to him
from the Book Of Life"
Two years dragged their weary length
along; but Alice bore up molly under her
self-imposed duty. At last she began to
droop. Her step lost its buoyancy, and
the roses on her check began 10 fade. It
was we'll that the blind old man now in
twilight of his life, knew not that the
morning Of her life was cloudcd over. It
would have been the bttercst drop in his
cup OF sorrow. Her voice to him was as
cheerful, her attentions rs devoted rs ever
and lie dreamed not that the canLcr was in
the heart Of the roscs
Mr.. Grayson's frame never very stronn
gave way under the inactive life he was
leading, and his heavy misfortune proved
upon hisYmind: Ills devoted daughter
watched, with deepest sorrow, the gradual
decay of the fathers faculties.
One Sabbath, after Alice had read the
twentythird Psalm, that heart touching and
yet heartsoo,l'ing song of David, they sat
for long while in sal and solemn silence
At length Mr.. Grayson said "Dear Alice.
feel that must soon tread "thc valleys Of
shadows" My thoughts lately turn ever
upward to that blessed land where the weary
are at rest. The scales shall fall from these
now sightless orbs, and shall forever back
in the sunlight of my saviour.s presence.
My affiiction has proved blessing in dis
guise," and the eye of my soul can reach
beyond "tlIis feeting life" into that bright
and heavenly land where there shall he no
more night"
Mr. Grayson spoke with prophetic lips,
for in few days lie was taken to his bed
from which he never arose. A gradual
"loosing of the silver cord" and "the gloden
bowl was broken"
| His last prayer was for his beloved child.
Alice was heaven sustained throughout the
trying scene, and when all was over a reaction
took place. Like lily before storm she
dropped. All those deep and tender affec-
lions which only woman's heart possess
were lavished upon her father, and her last
and only tie to earth WIS broken.
A month from the day on which her
father brealhed his last, Alice Grayson' IS
brief career was closed. Her last word s
were 81 know in whom have believed" :"
and the seraphie smile that illumined her
features as her ransomed spirit took his
flight, attested the truth of the exclam-
alton. -
| A simple stone marks the spot where rest
the ashes Of this devoted daughter and
her father, with the oft written inscription
"They were lovely and pleasant in their lives
and in deatl, they were not divided" -.
EDITORIAL LfrE.-But few readers ever
think NJ fha fehn, on,1 oa,x., < 4,