Page:Letters of Life.djvu/223

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
EDUCATIONAL REMEMBRANCES.
211

Then their cherished attachment came forth in beautiful prominence.

One instance I chance to recollect, where, in persevering efforts for a particular premium, two pupils had for months advanced side by side. As the term reached its close, there was a slight but clear indication of precedence. In conformity to this, the honor was awarded. When the class came forward, as was their custom, to congratulate their exemplary associate, she who had failed only a step or two in climbing the same arduous height was among them. Possibly a secret tear might have moistened her eye; but, hastening to embrace her more fortunate companion, she said most sweetly and gracefully, in reference to a period of Grecian history recently studied together:

"Pedaritus, when he missed a place among the chosen three hundred, rejoiced that there were in Sparta three hundred better than himself."

She who uttered this sentiment, now Mrs. Catharine N. Toucey, who was with me from the first to the last day of my period of instruction, has continued to advance in loveliness and intellectual attainment, having been distinguished at the court of our nation, where for years her lot was cast, by those graces of manner and conversation that lent attraction to her example of piety.

But how widely I am digressing from my prescribed theme! I commenced to give you the pro-