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 wan derer. 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 one 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 mar rying an unprofessor. "She is very conscientious, but I think she has not given that a thought. He is in the employment of Mr. Wil lard." 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 children to the hands of God, her sainted spirit left the church militant to pass through "the dark valley and shadow of death," when she joined the church triumphant. The new tomb was now opened, and the remains of one that was dear to many were laid therein. The weeping willow was planted by her side, where, to this day, its drooping branches can be seen. The soft zephyrs of evening whisper low, amidst its rich foliage, as if afraid to disturb the deep slumbers of the peaceful sleepers. This spot became the favorite retreat of Affie and her father. At twilight's pensive hours they there mingled their tears together. Unadmired by them, now rolled that beautiful river, that looked like a sheet of burnished silver beneath the full-orbed moon. Autumn with its golden robes had come-the lofty hills and spread ing plains had laid aside their rich verdure, while the neighboring groves were clothed in purple and gold. They were no longer made vocal by nature's songsters, and silence held its reign. The gentle breezes of summer had ceased to kiss the slumbering flowers, while autumn's rude blast tossed them to and fro till they fell from their tiny stems. Affie often repeated, when in company with Mr. Radford: "See the autumn's tempest rising, Mr. Radford had at this time left Mr. Willard's, and set up business for himself. Mr. Willard still continued in the mercantile business, and was highly esteemed by his patrons, not only for his honor in trade, but as an intelligent man; he was a strong poli |