Page:Pleasant Memories of Pleasant Lands.djvu/367

 342 MISS MITFOED.

tion. The constant, cherishing care, which she exer cises over an aged parent, of whom she is the only child, adds lustre to her reputation as an author. For years, she left his side scarcely for an evening, and received calls only during those hours in the afternoon, when he regularly took rest upon his bed. She was ever in attendance upon him, reading to him, cheering him by the recital of passing events, and pouring into his spirit the fresher life of her own, and doubtless find ing in these holy duties their own &quot; exceeding great reward.&quot; Not long after my return to my native land, she was called to shed the mourner s tear over that venerable parent, to whom she had been as a minister ing angel.

Yet it was my extraordinary privilege, frequently to enjoy familiar intercourse with Miss Edgeworth, whom I should have gone to Ireland to visit, had she not decided to pass the greater part of the winter in London. To be seated by her fireside, to find her interested in my little concerns, so frank, so appreciative, so confiding, to listen to her voice whose &quot; Simple Susan,&quot; and &quot;Barring Out,&quot; had charmed my childish years, seemed at first an illusion, but such an one as her admirers at home would willingly purchase, even by the most boisterous voyage over the ocean that divides them. Her conversation, like her writings, is varied, vivacious, and delightful. Her kind feelings towards our country are well known ; while forgetfulness of self, and happiness in making oth ers happy, are marked traits in her character. Her per son is small, and delicately proportioned, and her move-

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