The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1863-10-20


meut that urged me on--nor did / 10 tue end
regret that had, Weld 80 it.
The interior Of the humble dwelling, and
ils occupants, shall not soon forget. What
tasto apd neatness under the most discourag
ing circumstances! What me,hed and fertili
ty Of arrangement where all was plain and
rough and scant! II on the froniers where
the APPLIANCES Of housewfory are impossible
that woman's fertile resources Of tact and skill
most strkingly appear-often making the rude
log house and simple homo made furniture
were an aspect of comfort and taste not gn-
frequently wanting in homes Of luxury.
The household consisted CT the father--al
ready ntroducd-moiher, three daughters,
and the young man who had called for my
servcee. aH NN
Smother is not well, aud would like 10 see
you moment,.' remlrked one Of the young
ladies, showing me into an ajoiuipg room, where
loving hands had spared no pains to fortify it's
piuing inmate agsinst exposure, and sooth the
anguish Of suR,ring.
A bed, with its snowy countcrpane and
tasteful curtains, stood in corner of the apart
ment. On it rcclined the dying mother the
emaciated frame and hectic cheek marking her
victim Of consumption. e
81 am SO glad to see you, said she, exlond.
ing her hand. 1t is a long while since a min.
ister of the Gospel has entered our door; and
vet regret you have been put 10 90 much
trouble and EXPOSURE 10 coming God will re-.
ward you! But / wish TO speak with you
about this marriage,,'
From her remarks learned that The fami y
was from New England. Her husband, on
his return from the war, removed them to the
West, making one or two permanent locations,
then selling out and going still farther into
the unsettled woods.
ltwas while on their way out that the young
man, 10 whome their daughter was now en-
gagged, made their acquaintance, and joined
bis fortune with theirs. 1t was under circum-
stances Of great trial TO them, aud his pres.
ence and were peculiarly acceptable-in-
deed, indispensable. With untring zeal he
devoted himself TO their comfort; and, whether
on the long journey in the emigraut wagon, or
in the tolls incident to making new home,
he was like son and brolherr lD
''We came here said the mother, "becaase
Of my health--hoping that the climate might
see that it was too late. But for my husband
and Geofge's sake, who have sacrificed so
much on my account, hope this last settle
ment may prove productive some day. They
have secured good tract of land that must
be valuable by-and by; but We are 'land.poor'
now-all our money is gone. Another sea-
son, however, we hope our crops will bring US
something moro than the necessaies Of life.
G,o,ge is like a child to me; and what is
mCrs, lie is a Christian, Annie and hs are
tenderley attached, and, despite our present
poverty, l shall rejoice in knowing that they
are united before am called away from earih.'
But the few friends that had been iny ired
had come ib, the simple words that make t~o
inseparbly one were uttered the table for sup
per was being laid, and bride and Bridegroom
pourd firth their Joy in Christian song.
Siraugly touching was il here, on The lons
prairie. to listen TO the welded love they ex
pressed. Very happy were they, and comey,
too, in the freshness and sgcr OF their youth.
And. as we gathered around tho Widespread
baard, the sick mother taking once more her
piece at the heal Of the table, her face beam
ing he peace she felt, there was glow Of hap
p pess in her heart, such as ! never experienc
ed in my life before, as guest at marriage
feast. ~
1 nWell, Elder" said my Methodist friend,
as [ a,ighted at his door on my return, .'not
limb broken, ehi But you had to swim the
river!i Guess you didn't get much Of q fee,
though, did your" 'ii' 'gf bal
"Never better paid in my fife--whsi's my
bill for Black Hswkw "e
aWell, seeing you feel so rich, think l
sbar't charge you anything for all this timo.
All is we'll, pm glad you got back oafs and
sound" o - .ci