Library Collections: Document: Full Text

My friends were desirous I should make one other effort in attempting to find a cure for my eyes, and proposed I should try the effect of electricity; accordingly I was placed under Dr. Massey for treatment, hoping possibly he might do something for me. Every morning, Cousin Georgie H. was in the habit of calling to accompany me to the doctor's; these morning walks were of great benefit to my health, and the application of electricity strengthened my nerves, but my vision was not improved.

Enjoying Cousin Georgie's society, how many happy hours have I spent in her father's, Uncle B.'s family. She indeed, in my estimation, is almost a perfect being, amiable and good, and endowed with a sweet melodious voice. She sang most beautifully, and while sitting listening to her, I would forget I had sorrows, and would think earth a very paradise. Uncle and aunt always welcomed me with a parent's embrace. Oh! how thankful I should be in having so many and such kind friends; and deeply grateful I feel when, in retrospecting the past, those days are recalled when I was a lonely, motherless, friendless wanderer. God has indeed raised up many to care for and feel an interest in me, and I often outpour my heart in thankfulness to him, for his loving kindness and tender mercy towards me. I deeply sympathize with those who have fallen under a like misfortune with myself, and who have found but few to sympathize with them, and cheer with sunny word or kindly act their darkened way. Miss Schofield, a Quaker lady whom I met at the Institution, and who was in the habit of attending our weekly public concerts, expressed a desire to contribute in some way to my happiness and comfort. I informed her how fortunate I was in having many friends, but named to her some of my schoolmates who had very few, and hoped she would remember them kindly. She promised to do all that lay in her power for them, and she has religiously kept that promise, having been a staunch and unfailing friend to the Institution and its beneficiaries ever since that time.

Vacation during the very warm summer weather was now approaching, and we were to be examined in our various studies before the Board of Managers; the anticipation of which caused us great nervous excitement and anxiety, it being the first examination into the proficiency of the pupils. The day at last arrived, and for our beloved teacher's sake, we resolved to exert ourselves to our utmost ability. The second day of examination, Mr. Trust invited us out to the back-porch, where was a table set with refreshments. We were much delighted with this attention, and some remarked: "This is just like Mr. Trust." After having enjoyed the repast, we one and all heartily thanked him, to which he responded: "All the thanks he desired was to see us enjoy it."

The May previous, a Fair had been held at the Institution in behalf of the pupils. It was superintended by Mr. Yearly, in which noble effort he was assisted by several young ladies. Mr. Y. is very kind, generous man, and exerted himself greatly, in having the Fair yield as much as possible. Strangers who attended were very kind to us, and tendered us many delicate attentions.

Vacation arrived, we were compelled to part, though only for a brief season, with our beloved teachers. This really seemed as severe a trial as though the separation were to be one of unnumbered years instead of a few swiftly fleeting weeks.

I spent the two months' release from duty very pleasantly among my relatives and friends, and in the autumn returned to my studies with renewed ardor and increased desire to improve the numerous advantages with which I was blessed. Professor Loughery's health had much improved, and there was but one circumstance. which cast a shadow over our reunion, and that was the intelligence our dear teacher, Miss Moran, was about to leave us; this information grieved us very much; she had been so gentle, so good and kind, we thought no one else could fill her place. But she was to be married, and we were forced to yield the happiness of her sweet presence to another who could prefer a stronger claim. The evening previous to her departure Cousin William gave us a large party, to which were invited the pupils and officers of the Institution, besides other of my most intimate friends, among whom was Dr. McCron, who most agreeably entertained all present with his lively and engaging conversational powers. We went at an early hour, and shortly after having assembled, we all repaired to the supper-room, where we found oysters dressed in every variety of manner awaiting our enjoyment. Previous to taking our seats, Dr. McCron made a short but appropriate prayer, after which we did ample justice to the good things spread out before us.

Having adjourned to the parlor, we played on the piano, sang and conversed in the most lively manner, Professors Loughery and Magruder taking an active and prominent part. Every countenance save one was beaming with pleasure; our dear teacher seemed sad, it was the last evening she was to be with us, and we were all deeply attached to her. The next day she was to leave those who for three years had been constantly with her.