University of Virginia Library

EXTRACT FROM ROSE TO WINIFRED JONES.

The marriage came off last night. The service was done
by Parson Welles, who really seemed to be as happy as the
rest of us. How delighted we were to have Frank and Anna
here! There were also present a few other of the select
friends of the family. We assembled in the kitchen. It was

my office to light up the great fire-place; Frank was master of
ceremonies. Mrs. Weeks sent us up some cake for the occasion;
there was wine for our friends; all we ourselves have
eschewed spirituous drinks. I need not say how some of us
were reminded of another night and other scenes. It was, to
my own eye, a scene within a scene, beauty, love and life
haunted by profanity, revelry and death. Deacon Ramsdill
was almost beside himself with joy, and Master Elliman with
joy and wine. Mr. Girardeau seems to be very much pleased
with the disposition Margaret has made of herself, and Mrs.
Wiswall and Bertha think there is nobody like Mr. Evelyn;
so do I, excepting of course Frank.

What can I say of your dear brother, and now my own love?
He is all I wished—wished? all I needed. I shall begin to
believe with Margaret, that love is more powerful than all evil.
He risks much in taking me, not that I am much, but that I
am mean. He promises to sustain all my feeblenesss, and renew
my defects. He bears me in his own arms to the Infinite
arms. Through him, streams upon my soul the long hidden
light of God. The Christ whom he preaches I begin to love
and adore. He does understand my heart, and composing with
uplifts my whole nature into serenity and peace.

Margaret and Mr. Evelyn are going on a journey; in the
mean time, we clear out the work-shop, and fit it up for their
return.