from our dwelling. Dr. Gray sent over the horse and carriage very early,
and Charley, with my mother and Flora, was to accompany me to the
depot. The morning air was fresh and invigorating, and under other
circumstances we should highly have enjoyed the drive, as it was that
morning, we were rather a sad and silent party. When we arrived at the
station I moved rapidly about and looked after my luggage with far more
care than was necessary, in order to conceal the sorrow I felt at
leaving home; and I was heartily glad to hear the whistle which
announced the approaching train, that the parting might be the sooner
over. During the few moments we stood upon the platform awaiting the
arrival of the train Charley stood by with the most solemn face
imaginable. His countenance was always remarkably expressive of either
joy or sorrow, and at this time his expression was certainly not one of
joy. Many a time since, have I smiled as memory suddenly recalled the
woe-begone face of Charley Gray, as I left him that morning. In order
to make him laugh I enquired if he could not imagine the look of
astonishment with which Farmer Judson would regard us when we should
drive past his farm in our fine carriage, which (in imagination) we had
possessed the night before. Any one acquainted with Mr. Judson could not
have helped laughing at the idea; Charley did laugh but there were tears
in his eyes. As the train rapidly neared the station he suddenly
extended his hand to me for a last good-bye, and hurried swiftly from
the spot, he could not bear to witness my parting with my mother and
sister which was yet to come. My mother had borne up until now, but when
the time came that I must indeed go, her tears could no longer be kept
back. I kissed Flora good-bye, and last of all turned to my mother. She
imprinted a parting kiss upon my brow, and as she held my hand with a
long, lingering pressure, said in a choking voice, "Remember my
counsels, respect yourself, and others will respect you, and may God
bless and preserve you from evil!"