Oakdale Cottage; Or, the Christmas Holidays (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. 1829 Excerpt: ... But with it came the thought of days long past. Days by no sorrow dimm'd, no fear o'ercast: Mem'ry restor'd the humble house of pray'r, Adorned, embellished, by a father's care; The choir he formed, the altar he revered, The poor he fed, the peasantry he cheer'd, These, all, were present to my throbbing breast. My fainting spirit felt subdued, opprest; But faith was ready comfort to impart, And hush'd the murmur, e'er it reach'd my heart. Perchance, my feet may ne'er again invade. Oh, humble Lillington thy quiet shade; But, often present, ever dear to me, Thy pastor and thy people still shall be; And, when again I breathe the city's air, And mingle with the busy myriads there, My heart will fondly turn to scenes like thine. And vainly wish thy destiny were mine. "I agree in your sentiments, Miss Barton," said Mrs. Danvers; "but, do you know the family of the clergyman?" ' By conjecture, only," said Emily; ' I have never even heard his name, and, perhaps, have taken an unwarrantable liberty in this description. But my feelings were excited even to enthusiasm by the magic of recollection, and I wrote entirely from the impulse of the heart." "I have a great favor to ask of you, Miss Barton," said Henry, "if I were assured you would not think me too bold." "Do not fear it," said she; "I shall be most happy to oblige you in any way that I can." "Why, then, I particularly wish to bear in mind the impressive discourse we heard at church this morning; it seemed so peculiarly addressed to thoughtless beings like myself, that I could not help being very attentive, and earnestly did I wish that poor Headington could hear it also, .Now, I have made a few notes from memory of the particular passages that I most wish to retain; but 1 fear they are rather unconnected, an...