Chapter II: Old Friends

MRS. MORGAN shut the bureau as she spoke, saying with a smile: "Emily will know in a minute, that somebody has been to her drawers."

"I had better confess beforehand then. Are you going to sew now?"

"Yes, I'll be ready presently."

Ina few moments, Mrs. Morgan joined her cousin in the pleasant sitting-room. But before I tell you what they talked about, I wish to explain who these two ladies were.

Mrs. Morgan was the wife of a gentleman of good fortune connected with the great Express lines from north to south. They were both members of the Episcopal Church; and it was their earnest prayer that they might be not professors only, but possessors of vital godliness. During the first years of their married life, they went much into company, attended balls and concerts night after night. By this means, they lost much of the fervor of their religion.

Indeed, so conformed were they to the world and its pleasures, that they could scarcely be distinguished from the world's people. But their Father in heaven was watching over them. He saw into their hearts, and he knew that even while involved in this round of gayety, they were not satisfied. He knew there were times when they turned with loathing from all this hollow friendship, and longed for the quiet happiness they once enjoyed. God in his abounding kindness had a purpose of mercy toward these his wandering children; and he took means to bring them back to himself.

He removed first a beautiful babe who had scarcely opened its eyes in this world, to his paradise above. Then, when this did not wean the mother from circles of fashion, from the theatre and opera, he took another child, a darling boy, the pride of both parents, to swell the song of infant worshippers before his throne. A few months later, and while their hearts were still bleeding with sorrow, Emily their first-born and best-beloved was seized with scarlet-fever, and lay for days hovering between life and death.

Now, when the waves and the billows of trouble were rolling over them, they began to call upon God for help. But to their aching hearts, he did not seem a refuge near at hand. He appeared to be afar off, so far that their cry could not reach him. But if not to their heavenly Father, to whom could they go in their deep distress? Then they began to feel that they had sinned.

In their days of prosperity, they had forgotten to give thanks. They mourned together over the sinfulness which had led them far away from real happiness; and then in infinite compassion, their elder brother, their Saviour appeared to comfort them. The gracious spirit suggested words of cheer: "Return unto me, and I will return unto you."

By the bedside of their sick and apparently dying child, they renewedly consecrated themselves and all that they had, to the service of their Saviour. They bowed in sweet submission to the will of God. They cried indeed "Spare her, Lord," but from the heart they added, "if such be thy holy will."

And a merciful God did spare the child. She was gradually restored to perfect health. From this time her parents commenced a new life. They were constant at church. They took classes in the Sunday school. They visited the poor and afflicted. They did all in their power to stay up the hands of their faithful pastor.

All the energy and activity they had before displayed in the invention of new pleasures were now employed for the good of those about them. They were indeed a blessing in society; and in blessing others, they received a rich reward in their own hearts. One glance into the serene countenance of Mrs. Morgan showed that her soul was at peace.

Sickness and sorrow might come as it comes to every one; but she felt that all events for her were ordered by a Father's hand. Emily was their one treasure, spared to them from the grave. Is it strange that she was taught from her earliest recollection that her chief aim in life should be to love and serve her Maker and Preserver?

Mrs. Roby, own cousin to Mrs. Morgan, had married young, and gone with her husband to the West. He had been successful in business, and had now come East for a few months, his wife improving the occasion long desired, to revive her acquaintance with those so dear to her. She had only arrived the day before; and every moment that her cousin was at liberty was improved in asking questions about herself and other friends.

Aunt Lydia was Mrs. Morgan's mother who usually passed a part of every year with her, greatly to the delight of Emily.