The Stanley Tales, Original and Select (Volume 4) (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1826. Excerpt: ... and set me an example of fortitude and resolution to crush a passion, which, as our consciences cannot now approve it, would only lead to misery. Then, in a better world we may yet be happy together.'--To this declaration she stedfastly adhered. In vain did my father and I entreat her to remove to our house, where she should be regarded as my sister. 'William, ' said she, when I closely pressed her on the subject, 'is your brother's friend; but I wish while I live to be reminded of nothing but the grave. In this humble dwelling I spent the three happiest days of my life, and there'--pointing to the church-yard--' I see the spot where the bones of my dear mother repose.' "Grief soon undermined her constitution, and in a few weeks the bloom of health and youth was fled. 'My dear Hannah, ' said I, one day when I called to see her, and my eye dwelt with sorrow on her pallid countenance, ' how quickly have the roses faded from these lovely cheeks ' She heaved a sigh and smiled. Kext morning I found her in a high fever; the physician declared her state to be dangerous. She drew me gently to her bed. 'Last night, ' said she, in a faint voice, 'an angel appeared to me in a dream: 'The rosn of thy cheeks, ' said he, 'are faded, because thou hast striven on earth to perform thy duty: receive in their stead the flowers of Paradise, which never fade.'--He presented to me three white roses, and the moment I touched them the angel vanished.'--She now thought of nothing but death, for which 6ne sought earnestly to prepare herself, and on the third day she was no more. "A grave was dug for her beside her mother, on the spot where I have planted the white rose-trees in memory of my beloved friend. Early in the morning, my brother and I followed her without noise to the grave....