The church membership was as yet very small; Sabbath school ditto. The
newly arrived family made an important addition to the ranks of both
teachers and scholars.
Two Bible classes were organized this morning and given, respectively,
into the charge of Mr. Keith and Miss Stanhope; Rupert becoming a member
of his father's, Mildred of Aunt Wealthy's. There were but two others in
this latter class; Claudina Chetwood and Lucilla Grange; both
intelligent, lady-like, refined girls, who made an agreeable impression
upon Miss Stanhope and Mildred also. And this was mutual.
The morning service followed immediately upon the close of Sabbath
school. The sermon was excellent; the singing, though not artistic, and
somewhat interrupted by the necessity of lining out the hymn, on account
of the scarcity of books, earnest and spirited; the people singing,
apparently with the understanding and the heart also; the prayer was
fervent, and the behavior of the congregation throughout the whole
service was quiet and devotional.
Most of them were town folk, but a few families had come in from the
surrounding country.
There was little display of fashion or style in dress; no one was
expensively attired; most of the women and girls wore calico; but all
were neat, some really tasteful; and in intellect and moral worth, the
majority of faces would have compared favorably with an equal number in
the older States.
People lingered after church for mutual introductions and the exchange
of friendly remarks and inquiries. The Keiths were warmly welcomed,
assured of intentions to call, hopes expressed that they would "like the
place," feel quite at home in the church and be sociable; the country
people adding "Come out and see us whenever you can."
Squire Chetwood and Mr. Keith, who had made acquaintance during the
preceding week, now introduced their families; each with very excusable
fatherly pride in the good looks and good manners of his offspring.
The young Chetwoods were nearly as numerous, as handsome and intelligent
as the Keiths.
"I hope we shall be good friends," said Claudina, as she and Mildred
walked away together. "Mother was not out to-day because of a headache;
but she and I are coming to see your mother and you this week."
"We shall be pleased to see you," Mildred answered heartily, "and I am
very glad to accept your offer of friendship."
They parted at Mr. Keith's door, mutually pleased, and Mildred carried a
brighter face into the house than she had worn for weeks.
Her mother remarked upon it with delight.
"Yes, mother," she responded gayly, "I begin to feel a little happier
about living here, now that I find we are to have good preaching, Sunday
school--with an excellent and competent teacher for my share"--glancing
archly at Aunt Wealthy's kindly, sensible face--"and pleasant friends;"
going on to give a flattering description of the Chetwoods, particularly
Claudina.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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