The Freemason's Daughter: A Novel — page 236: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

THE FREEMASONS DAUGHTER. 229 Our readers can well imagine the nature of the advice which a tender parent would give to a lovely girl whom she was about to leave, deprived of virtue’s truest stay—a mother’s watchful care—the prudent cautions, the experienced counsels. The last words which faltered upon her lips were of mingled prayer and blessings for her future happiness. Then came the death-struggle, the closing of the eyes, the lips quivering with the parting breath, the last look of undying love—and all was over—poor Amy was doubly an orphan. The conduct of William Bowles, on the unhappy girl’s bereavement, was truly that of an affectionate brother. All the painful arrangements rendered neces- sary by death were made by his care; and the day at last dawned which was to convey the body of the widow to its final resting-place. While those who were to assist at the funeral were waiting, Amy, for the last time, entered the chamber of death, and prayed by the coffin of her parent. It is astonishing how prayer can both elevate and strengthen the heart. She asked for fortitude, and it was given her. While thus occupied, she was startled by the opening of the door, and, turning round, beheld the warm-hearted William Bowles, accompanied by an interesting-looking girl about her own age. ‘‘ Mr. Bowles!’ she exclaimed, endeavouring to sup- press her tears, “ and” — ‘A sister,’ said the young female, kindly advancing COniiclooecl SS (SO