But as the brain grows by knowledge, so the heart is made larger by
loving; and Elizabeth was rich and happy in the treasures she had
garnered. The past no prayer could bring back; the future she counted
not; but she enjoyed in every hour the blessing they brought her. The
voyage across the ocean was delightful; she found young hearts to
counsel, and aged ones to change experiences with. Every one desired
to talk to her, and counted it a favor to sit or to walk by her side.
So beautiful is true piety; so lovely is the soul that comes into daily
life fresh from the presence of the Deity.
She had left Texas in May; she arrived at Hallam in June. And how
beautiful the dear old place was! But Martha had gone to her reward
two years previously, and Elizabeth missed her. She had lived to be
eighty-eight years old, and had not so much died as fallen asleep.
She had never left the hall, but, as long as she was able, had taken
charge of all its treasures and of every thing concerning the children.
Even when confined to her room, they had come to her with their
troubles and their joys, and her fingers were busy for them unto the
last day.
Yet no one missed Martha as Elizabeth missed her. With Martha she
talked on subjects she mentioned to no one else. They had confidences
no others could share.
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