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GODEY'S

LADY'S BOOK.

PHILADELPHIA, JANUARY, 1851.

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[Illustration]

THE CONSTANT; OR, THE ANNIVERSARY PRESENT.

BY ALICE B. NEAL.

(_See Plate._)

It has an excellent influence on one's moral health to meet now and then in
society, or, better still, in the close communion of home life, such a
woman as Catherine Grant. She influences every one that comes within the
pure atmosphere of her friendship, and as unconsciously to them as to
herself. She never moralizes, or commands reform. There is no parade of her
individual principle in any way, but she always _acts_ rightly; and, if her
opinion is called forth, it is given promptly and quietly, but very firmly.

Yet, though even strangers say this of her now, there was a time when few
suspected the moral strength of her character. Not that principle was
wanting; but it had never been called forth. She moved in her own circle
with very little remark or comment. She was cheerful, and even sprightly in