creen us
also from every eye. Hitherto we had been confined to morning hours,
or afternoon, when it was shaded by the house; but had often pleased
ourselves with the hours we should spend in this cool retreat, even at
noonday, while, screened from the sun's scorching rays, we might enjoy
the refreshing breeze through its leafy openings; but these delightful
prospects were now for ever at an end. I might, indeed, there take my
seat; but the tongue which everywhere charmed, was buried in deepest
silence. The company which rendered every scene pleasant was gone,
never to return: his sheep, his goats, nay, even the poultry, were
often fed from his hand: every thing served to distract. As for my
children, they were by kind friends kept for some time out of my
sight; for not only to view them fatherless distressed me, but their
thoughtless mirth and play was altogether insupportable.

"I accepted an invitation from Mr. Gilbert's family to spend some
time in the country with them; for though it was impossible for me to
forget for one moment, yet, when these objects were removed from my
sight, I was more able to turn my thoughts upward, to where my heart's
treasure now is, and where I myself expect to be. We had two
men-servants, and my two Indian girls; one of the men I dismissed, the
other I left to take care of the living creatures about the place. One
of my girls I boarded where she would be in good company, and with my
children and their maid I abandoned my solitary dwelling. I met with a
very tender reception from that worthy family. My situation here was
such as I both expected and wished, and attended with many outward
circumstances which had the probability of making it supportable. I
was allowed to be as much by myself as I chose. No one intruded on my
privacy without my consent; but one or other of the Mrs. Gilberts
often visited me in my own room, and drew from my bursting heart all
its griefs, sympathizing, soothing, and advising at the same time.
They are both women of great piety, having for many years devoted
their hearts, time, talents, and fortune to the service of God; and
their two husbands likewise, whose business it has been to instruct
the ignorant negroes without fee or reward. Had it not been for this
family, I know not where the distraction of my mind might have
ended." * * * *

Thus was Mrs. Graham, at the early age of thirty-one, left a
widow in a land of strangers. Her