Half a Century by Jane Grey Cannon Swisshelm
page 19 of 356 (05%)
page 19 of 356 (05%)
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"Then in came Glenn, that man of peace,
And swore to facts as sleek as grease; By all his Uncle Aleck's geese, McFarland burnt the tar-barrel." It was before this time that Lafayette revisited Pittsburg, and people went wild to do him honor. The schools paraded for his inspection, and ours was ranged along the pavement in front of the First Presbyterian church, the boys next the curb, the girls next the fence, all in holiday attire, and wearing blue badges. The distinguished visitor passed up between them, leaning on the arm of another gentleman, bowing and smiling as he went. When he came to where I stood, he stepped aside, laid his hand on my head, turned up my face and spoke to me. I was too happy to know what he said, and in all the years since that day, that hand has lain on my brow as a consecration. CHAPTER III. FATHER'S DEATH.--AGE, 6-12. In the city we went regularly to meeting, and Dr. Black seemed always to talk to _me_, and I had no more difficulty in understanding his sermons, than in mastering the details of the most simple duty. The first of which I preserve the memory was about Peter, who was made to illustrate the growth of crime. He began with boasting; then came its natural fruit, cowardice, in following his master afar off; next falsehood, and |
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