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Incidents In The Life Of A Blind Girl

Creator: Mary L. Day (author)
Date: 1859
Publisher: James Young, Baltimore
Source: Available at selected libraries
Figures From This Artifact: Figure 2

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A second time we repaired to the supper-room, where was a table set in the most elegant manner, covered with an abundance of confectionery and ices -- indeed, every thing that could be mentioned. After spending another hour very pleasantly together, we returned home, ever one expressing themselves as having passed a most charming and agreeable evening. No unimportant personage at this most delightful entertainment was Cousin Samuel H., who is a great favorite with all at the Institution; so attentive and agreeable was he, that scarce a wish could be conceived, much less expressed, before he was close at hand to gratify it. His many kindnesses to me I can not enumerate, and can only desire that friends he may make may prove as genial and as faithful as he has ever been.

409  

Cousin William had not married again; Cousin Mary, a most estimable lady, taking charge of his household and family arrangements. I have ever found in her a true friend; gentle in manner, sensitive as the delicate aspen leaf, her whole life has proved her

410  

"A perfect woman nobly planned,
To warn, to comfort, and command;
And yet a spirit still and bright,
With something of an angel light."

411  

That the happiness she has conferred, return upon her own heart fourfold, is my earnest prayer.

412  

The day Miss Moran left us, was one of mournful interest; we were all so much affected we could scarce attend to our morning recitations. In the afternoon she bade us adieu, promising often to visit us.

413  

The following Monday, a lady to supply her place was expected; we all wondered what sort of person she would be. Some thought she could not possibly be as desirable as had been our former friend; others said they knew she would have a harsh voice, and be very disagreeable, and that she would be some old person who would not allow any merriment or pleasure. At last Monday came; and with if arrived the new teacher. Contrary to all surmises, she was a sweet youthful girl -- a musical voice and merry laugh, were not by any means by us deemed her least desirable attractions. She soon won the affections of the pupils, and proved herself fully competent to her office, though very young. Our necessities and little pleasures seemed her constant and unceasing study. "We shall ever remember her as an angel that flitted athwart our way, bringing sunlight to chase the shadow. Wherever in after-life her path may tend, she will bear with her warm aspirations for her welfare from the hearts of those whose way, though dark, she has oft illumed by cheering word and radiant smile.

414  

CHAPTER XXII.

415  

"AND every where,
low voices with the ministering hand
Hung round the sick." TENNYSON.

416  

"O DEATH! O Beyond! Thou art sweet, thou art strange!"
E. BARRETT BROWNING.

417  

"WHEN sorrows come, they come not single spies."

418  

"One woe doth tread upon another's heel, So fast they follow." SHAKSPEARE.

419  

ABOUT a year previous to our change in teachers, a young lady from the Philadelphia Institution for the Blind, paid us a visit, remaining with us, however, only a week, during which time she instructed us in bead-work. Of this we had availed ourselves with much earnestness, and had learned to make a number of little fancy articles. The happy Christmas time approaching, we determined to apply the proceeds of our labor in this way towards making Mr. Loughery, our beloved teacher and friend, some gift as a token of the deep affection we entertained for him. The amount realized from the sale of our bead-work had been, from time to time during the year, carefully hoarded. A meeting was called, and the pupils expressed their wishes as to its appropriation, and a gold chain and key were decided upon. All our little plans had been executed without his knowledge, and as evening appointed to consummate the surprise. It at last arrived. Prayers over, Dr. McKenney rose and said to Prof. Loughery: "He would be a principal actor in a little scene about to take place." Prof. L. arose, and Miss McGinley presented in a graceful manner our offering, accompanied by a neat and touching address. For several minutes he was too much affected to speak. His emotions subsiding, he replied: "I fully appreciate this, as it was purchased by your first earnings. I prize it the more deeply coming from those for whom and in whom I feel such a deep interest, and shall preserve it as long as I ---" His feelings quite overcame him, he could say no more, therefore hurriedly left the room. Every one present was affected to tears.

420  

In wearing the chain and key, persons observing it would remark how pretty it was -- he would reiterate to them how dearly he prized and with what pleasure he wore it. A memento of the love of those knit to him by no ordinary friendship.

421  

The Legislature were now in session, and the last of January we were going to Annapolis, accompanied by the officers of the Institution, and the Board of Directors. Our object was to give a concert and exhibition, thereby endeavoring to excite an interest in our behalf, and secure an appropriation for the purpose of improving and enlarging the Institution. Our errand was deserving encouragement, as certain changes, which money alone could accomplish, were greatly needed. During our stay in Annapolis we were the guests of Mr. Tidings, who was extremely kind and attentive. The exhibition was the first we had attempted beyond the walls of the Institution, yet we gave, as far as we could learn, general satisfaction. We returned to Baltimore delighted with our trip.

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