his lady, as Christian philosopher."

Occasionally Mrs. Montgomery would pay us a visit; and these also were
times treasured up in my wife's remembrance. I always observed a certain
elevation of feeling, a calmer spirit, and a more loving sphere about
her after one of these pleasant seasons.

The daughter came very often. Our children loved her almost as much as
they did their mother, and she seemed as happy with them, as if they
were her own flesh and blood. Agnes, our oldest, now in her eighth year,
almost lived at the Allen House. Blanche never came without taking her
home with her, and often kept her for two or three days at a time.

Blanche had developed into a young woman of almost queenly beauty; yet
her manners retained the easy grace and truthfulness of a child. She did
not seem conscious of her remarkable personal attractions, nor of the
admiration her presence always extorted. No one could meet her, as
a stranger, without feeling that she stood removed from ordinary
contact--a being of superior mould with whom familiarity was
presumption.

The companion of such a mother, who had with tender solicitude, from
childhood upwards, guarded all the avenues of her mind, lest false
principles or false views of things should find entrance; and as
carefully selected her mental food, in order that there might be health
of mind as well as health of body--it was not surprising to find about
her a solidity and strength of character, that showed itself beneath the
sweet grace of her external life, whenever occasion for their exhibition
arose. From her mother she had imbibed a deep religious sentiment; but
this did not manifest itself so much in language, as in dutiful acts.
I had often occasion to notice, how, almost instinctively, she referred
all things to a superintending Providence; and looked into the future,
veiled as it is to all eyes, with a confidence that every thing would
come out right, beautiful to contemplate. What she meant by right,
was something more than is usually included in the words; for she had
learned from her wise teacher, that God's providence disposes the things
of this world for every individual in a way that serves best his eternal
interests; therefore, what was best in this sense, could not fail to be
right.

To our deep regret, Mrs. Montgomery decided to change the place of her
residence from S----to Boston. All the reasons that led her to this
decision, I was not able to discover. Her lif