West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1886-07-02
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To live in hearts we leave behind.
Is not TO die.

from death TO q homo beyond the
shadowy river. She was in the fourth
year Of her age, having been sent to
gladden. the household on the lst day
of December, 1852
Just at the time the summer sun
and showers had matured tho foliage,
and the flowers of the fields were in
their brightest bloom and gave forth
their richest fragrance, this little ten
der flower, too pure and delicate to
do battle with this cold and cherries
world, was touched by the blighting
hand of death, and she fell in the
bloom of her youth, little plant too
heavenlike and innocent to live on
earthly soil. All that mortal aid
could do for Mabel in her painful ill
ness, failed to restore her health.
The skill and watchful attention of
ply sicians, the deep solicitude and
assistance of friends, nor the tender
and endearing care and protection of
fond and devoted father and a low.
ing and griefstricken mother, could
avail. The cruel frost Of death had
come. The stem of life was broken.
The delicate flower withered, and
Mabel Fortney was dead. The little
life had passed away and left a va.
cancy among the bright things of
earth that cannot be filed Beauti.
full in death, she lay as if ir peaceful
sleep. The same sweet smile that
lighted up her countenance in life,
fingered strangely sweet in death.
No deathlike pallor there, and the
little ruby lips half parted, as if about
to speak, had on their freshness of
life. Death left no traces Of his cru.
ell work on the calm, sweet face.
But the little heart beat no more, and
the form once so full of life, was still
and motionless forever. Strong
hearts that hitherto bad known no
sorrow, were melted as they looked
upon her. Eyes that had known no
tears from childhood now filled to
overlooking with grief Mabel, the
friend of everybody, was gone. No
more would the sunshine of her smile
greet them. No more would her busy
prattle delight them, nor her foot
steps trod the accustomed walks.
The impenetrable darkness of the aw-
full gloom of death has shrouded her
in forever.
She was a remarkable child : bright,
intelligent, and wise far beyond her
years; disposition most amiable and
sweet; a manner attractive and alto
gether agreeable-absolutely without
failing-she was admired and pet
ted by all, and the esteem in which
she WIS held was proverbial. When
Mabel appeared, at home or abroad,
each We'd with the other as to who
could do her most favors. Her com
pany and presence was sought after
by young and old alike. To know
her was indeed TO love her, and all
knew her md loved her. She was
the friend of everybody, and every.
body was her friend. Always cheer
full and happy, she was a welcome
visitor at every home. Her smile
had frightened many a home, and
her presence and good nature had
driven care from many heart The
community was better for her having
lived in 1t, and it sOrely grieves at
her death.
Loved by all, she YVES the adored
idol of her father and mother, their
constant companion, their comfort
and their Joy. Grief uncomfortable
has fallen heavily upon them. a
shadow has crossed the threshold OF
their hearts, which the light Of this
world cannot dispel. Yet beyond
and above the shadow, "hope sees a
star, and listening loye may hear the
rustic Of a wing"
She is only gone before not lost.
The little mound in the graveyard,
kept green by the tears Of love as
well as the dews of heaven. strewn
with lilies and forget-me .nots, pan
sizes and June roses, that shed their
fragrance round her tomb, is all that
is visible Of the sweet creature upon
earth; but her memory will ever lin.
ger in the hearts that loved her,
And to day, while we grieve at her
departure, her pure spirit floats alone,
the brightest and hottest Of Gods an.
gels. High up above this heartless
world Of sorrow and pain and cruel
death, on wings of golden splendCr.
Mabe's spirit took its fight ere the
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