harmonize
by association, when viewed separately, they had little that was
attractive.

"A few years since, a young lady, I think of European birth, was
brought to live in the house which stands near yonder clump of trees;
her situation seemed that of an humble companion to the lady--but her
services and her influence made her more than loved. I never saw more
affection exhibited than all of the household manifested toward her. I
cannot tell you what means she used to acquire such a mastery over the
love of all around her, but, though less within the influence of her
attractive manners than some others, I yet shared in the general
feeling of regard. She was a frequent visiter to a small eminence in
this immediate neighborhood, and I often followed her thither, though
I was careful not to reach the place until her departure; and then I
have gone around as she did, looking at the various points of the
scenery, to try to have the enjoyment which was imparted to her from
the visits. Once I came when she was here, and met a condescension
entirely hidden in kindness; she called my attention to what she
designated the numerous beauties of the place, and subsequently I went
frequently to the spot to look at what she had pointed out, and I
think I occasionally derived some new pleasure from the scene. I am
not able now to say whether that pleasure was the result of new
capacities to behold beauties, or whether it was consequent upon my
respect for her who had imparted the lesson. Perhaps both.

"There was a young man, a relative of Mrs. ----, with whom this lady
resided, that came frequently to the house. I never saw a person
apparently more winning in his manner, or more delicate in his
attentions; and, as all expected, he proposed for marriage to the
young woman. It was thought that there would be objections on the part
of _his_ relations--and there were; but they came from the gentleman
of the house, who plainly declared that the young man was not worthy
of the woman he sought. Her heart, it was evident, was concerned; it
was whispered, I know not how truly, that the youth had associations
in the city unworthy his relations at home. But when do the young and
confiding ever regard monitions of this kind. She, whose good sense
had restored order to a family that needed direction, and had
sustained her against all adverse circumstances among strangers, could
not influence her against the pleadings of her own heart. The young