uld imagine that nothing could have been
more charming; but, from the appearance of both father and daughter,
you would think they had been rambling over hill and dale, scrambling
through briars and wading creeks, without design, for the game that
they sought was rarely found, or if found, lost again, before the
inexperienced huntsman could level his gun. But who cared for that
when they had so much pleasure and sport notwithstanding, and always
such glorious anticipations for the morrow. Sometimes, in their eager
pursuit after game, they would paddle up and down the creek, watching
out on either side for ducks. On these occasions, Lizzie would hold
the steering oar, while her father made vigorous use of the propelling
ones; but one day his "Lady of the Lake," (as he called her), in her
excitement, at the prospect over the bluffs, of flying ducks, rose to
her feet; and, reeling, tipping, over she went, which was the finale of
the ducking for that day. From the beneficial effect of the exercise
in walking back to "the cabins" no ill result ensued, and next day they
were eager to resume their search.

In rainy weather and of evenings your grandfather would often
read aloud, while your mother and I were engaged in kitting or sewing;
or, she would take up her guitar and sing some of those pretty Scotch
airs, of which he was so fond; or, the more deep-toned German songs,
which were favorites of mine. And thus we passed nearly thee months,
happy months, never to be forgotten; and bidding adieu to these wilds,
with improved health, and taking an affectionate leave of the kindest
friends, we pursued our way farther south.

The only time that your dear mother and I were separated from her
father, after her return from school until her marriage, was in the
summer of 1853. In a letter received from him at that time he says, "I
hope and pray that daughter will seriously bring her mind to the
consideration of this most momentous subject. Oh, that she would
remember how good and kind and merciful God has always been to her, and
how strong is the obligation she is under to consecrate herself, with
all her energies, to God's service. How happy would we be, could we be
permitted to meet her at the table of our Lord, as an humble follower
of the blessed Saviour, to feel that her peace is made with God, and
that her calling and her election is sure. Nothing which this earth
offers could confer so great happiness upon her parents