As patriot, soldier,
gentleman in the truest sense of the word, I have not seen his peer.
It was a great delight to me, in spite of the shadow Evelyn's grief
threw over our threshold, to stand once more as mistress in my father's
house, even in the wreck of fortune, and control the education and
destiny of my young sister. Little Ernie, too, had his place in the
household as son by adoption, and grew daily stronger and more vigorous
in our sight, the thoughtful, loving, and reticent child, heralding the
man of power, affection, and principle, that he has become.
The employment of my husband lay near the city of my nativity. He was
occupied in making the great railroad through Jersey that was the
pioneer of engineering progress, and a mighty link between two kindred
States. He was in this way, though often absent, never for any length of
time, and his return was always a fresh source of joy to his household.
Mabel worshiped him; Ernie silently revered; Evelyn with all of her
growing peculiarities acknowledged he had merit; and Mrs. Austin
regarded him with mingled awe and affection, for to her he was
singularly kind and affectionate.
"To grow old in servitude," he would say, "what sadder fate can befall
any being, or more entitle him or her to forbearance and respect? What
life-long hardships does this condition not impose? And this is a field
for universal charity, which costs not much, only a little patience and
a few kind words and smiles.
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