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could scarcely control her risibles, but he was sure to loose his hold before the solemn "Amen" was pronounced, and as soon as the closed eyes of his parents were opened he looked as demure as if nothing had happened.

At this moment a hurried rap was given at the door; it was opened, and Lieutenant Morse entered. Deep anxiety was depicted on his countenance, and without ceremony he requested Mrs. D. to accompany him to his house. The question being asked if Franky was worse, was answered in the affirmative. Mrs. D. was soon seated in the chaise; they drove rapidly down the descent to the highway, and in a moment were out of sight. Mr. Morse soon drove to his own door, where his friend alighted. Mrs. D. with a noiseless step entered the sick room, where several neighbors were already present. The little

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vices were conducted by the Rev. Mr. Bradley, who selected these words from Mark v. 39-" She is not dead, but sleepeth." His remarks upon the death and resurrection of the body, and the reunion of the soul with the body in the morning of the resurrection, were calculated in the highest degree to afford consolation to the lacerated hearts of the afflicted mourn

ers.

Their dead was now buried out of their sight; and they returned accompanied by several of their friends, among whom was Colonel Bertram, who had been a faithful friend of Lieutenant Morse. His parents were among the early settlers of Roselle. They were a wealthy family. Colonel Bertram had for many years resided south, where he married a lady of fortune. His objections to "slavery," even at this early period, induced him

to return to his favorite Roselle. Mrs. Bertram was a native of New England, and rejoiced with her husband to be again fanned by the mountain breeze, and to drink from the pure waters that make glad the heart of the wanderer. She readily connected herself with the little church, and adorned the doctrines of her profession, as we shall see, by a well ordered life and godly conversation. Her husband was a man of the world, possessing many virtues as a husband, a gentleman, and friend. Being a military man, Lieutenant Morse and himself were kindred spirits.

He had purchased a beautiful location near his friend on the opposite side of the river, where he had erected a superb mansion, in which he had displayed much taste, not only in its architecture, but in the embellishments of its ample fore-grounds. He

had selected a choice collection of shrubbery congenial with that cli

mate.

Mrs. Morse, in her lonely hours, was glad of such a friend as Mrs. Bertram. They engaged not in the idle gossip of the neighborhood; they read and conversed together upon those subjects which were calculated to elevate the mind and enrich the soul. The influence and responsibility of parents, especially mothers, was often the subject of their conversation. Mrs. B. had but de son, whose name we shall call Walter. He was at this time but two years old, but the reader will do well to bear him in mind.

In one of Mrs. Morse's interviews with her friend, she informed her that she had just returned from Capt. De Van's. She remarked that Mrs. D. was failing. Mrs. B. assured her friend that if she had known of her illness,

she should have called on her before," but I left town the day that Dr. Williams was married to Miss Harris, and did not return till this morning."

"The Dr. was there this morning when I called; he invited Affie and Mr. Radford to call on them. I think Affie possesses a mind above Mr. R., though he is an industrious young man."

Mrs. B. inquired if Affie entertained any scruples in regard to marrying an unprofessor.

"She is very conscientious, but I think she has not given that a thought. He is in the employment of Mr. Willard."

Mrs. D. had failed rapidly during the day, and now no hope was entertained of her recovery; she was aware of her approaching dissolution, and was calm, for all her trust was stayed on God.

After committing her husband and

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