Page:Life of Isaiah V Williamson.djvu/43

Rh with them and his brothers and sisters attended the Friends' Meeting. The years sped on happily and prosperously, as the young fellow grew in wisdom and ability for business life.

Living in Mr. Gillingham's family, he was regarded almost as a son and the brother of the Gillingham children. But for the daughter, who was a schoolmate of earlier years, there came gradually into Williamson's heart a deeper affection than brotherly friendship. It is not now known how long they had loved each other, what recognition of their affection there may have been on the part of their families, or even whether there was an engagement to marry. Mary died of consumption while yet a young woman. Isaiah's life was powerfully affected by the loss of his companion. He became restless, troubled, and anxious for a change of scene. This sorrow was always regarded at Fallsington as the chief reason of his going to Philadelphia when he had completed his apprenticeship.

Having always lived in and near Fallsington, knowing everybody and by everybody known, it was not without a struggle that the young fellow turned away to seek his fortune