Litchfield enquirer., 1863-12-10


 it was, for the animal above as well as the ami nal beneath. The horse, however soon rose to the surface, permitting his rider, hy happy exercise of unwonted agility, to strike the sad die, q la Turk, which position prudentIy kept till the opposite shore was reached
 Clambering up the steep bank. my borrowed steed went at break-neck pace the remaining five miles to our destination It was small framed house, perched on swell of land in the midst of wide prairie, dotted with an occa- 'sional cabin. The dwelling was covered only with rough boards, between which the ever restless wind came and went at will. AEght- ing at the gate, gray-haired man the bride 8 father-who was cutting wood in the little front yard, laid down his axe and came forward to take my horse. He had, as I afterwards learned, served in the Mexican war, and had still soldierly bearing. Taking the bridle, he said
 You are the minister, suppose We had given you up, thinking you would not come iu such storm as this. But how did you cross the river? We heard the bridge was gone
 Horseback said I.
 Well,' said the old soldier, his eye kindling, minister that can do that, can preach, I know
 l had fulfilled my engagement partly from sympathy and the pleasure of couquering ob- stacles there was, besides, sort of pres entl- ment that urged me on-nor did in the end regret that had yielded to it.
 The interior of the humble dwelling, and its occupants, I shall not soon forget. What taste and neatness under the most discouragng cir cumstances What method and fertility of arrangement where all was plain and rough and scant! It is on the frontiers. where the appliances of housewifery are impossible, that wonian's fertile resources of tact and skill most strikingly appear-of the making the rude log house and simple home made furniture wear an aspect of comfort and taste not unfrequent- ly wanting in homes of luxury.
 The household consisted of the father-al ready ntroduced-mother, three daughters, and the young man who had called for my ser vices.
 Mother is not we'll. and would like to see you moment remarked one of the young la dies, showing me into an adjoining room, where loving hands had spared no pains to fortily it's pining inmate az .inst exposure, and soothe the anguish of suffering.
 A bed. with its snowy counterpanes and tasteful curtains stood in corner ofthe apart thent On it reclined the dying mother--the emaciated frame and hectic cheek marking her a victim of consumption.
 'I am so glad to see you,' said she, extend- ing her hand l. is long while since min ister of the Gospel has entered our door and yet regret you have been put to so much trouble and exposure in coming. God will r, . ward you But wished to speak with you about this marriage.'
 From her remarks learned that the family 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 further into the unsettled woods.
 It was while on their way out that the young man, to whom their daughter was now engag- ed, m ade their acquaintance, and joined his fortune with theirs. It was under circumstan ces of great trial to them, and his presence and aid were peculiarly acceptable-ind ed. indis pensable. With untiring Zeal he devoted him. self to their comfort and, whether on the long journey in the emigrant wagon, or in the tolls incident to making new home, he was like a son and brother.
 We came here said the mother, because of my health-hoping that the climate might do for me what medicine could not. now see that it was too late. But for my husband and Georges sake, who have sacrificed to my ac- count, hope this last settlement may prove productive some day. They have secured a good tract of land, that must be valuable by and-by but we are land-poor' now--all our money is gone. Another season. however, we hope our crops will bring us something more than the necessaries of life. George is like a child to me and, what is more, he is a Chris tian. Annie and he are tenderly attached. and despite our present property, shall rejoice in knowing that they are united before an call ed away from earth
 But the few friends that had been invited had come in :; the simple rds that make two inseparably one were uttered the table for supper was being laid, and bride and bride groom poured forth their joy in Christian song. Strangely touching was it, here, on the lone prairie, to listen to the welded love they ex- pressed. Very happy were they, and comely, too, in the freshness and vigor of their youth And, as we gathered around the well-spread board, the sick mother taking once more her place at the head of the table her face beam ing the peace she felt, there was glow of happiness in my heart, such as never expert enced before, as guest ata marriage feast.
 We'll, Elder. said my Methodist friend, as