As I lay ruminating, and reviewing the scenes of the day, I heard a pleasant sound—the bells from the steeples of the North and South churches ringing for the hour of nine. They strike alternately two strokes, each waiting for the other, then, joining, tell with one voice the day of the month—in unison. One has a deep, heavy tone, the other a melodious one; and their concord is like that of bass and treble in perfect harmony. I remembered that this had been described to me of old, by my loved and departed friend. I remembered, too, that she had said, in her feebleness, 'I wish I might have taken you to Hartford. Then you would have been received as my child.' My heart said to her, 'See, I have been so received.' Did she not hear me? I comforted myself that she did; and, in that sweet belief, sank into an unbroken slumber."
Madam Wadsworth, the head of the household, was a lady of remarkably dignified manners, high intelligence, and an excellent judgment, derived both from a knowledge of books and observation of mankind. Her mind was habitually well governed, and her equanimity so entire, that all errors arising from impulsiveness of speech or action were avoided; and by those long intimate with her it was said she was never known to be in a hurry. These characteristics must have been of unspeakable value during the trying period of our revolutionary contest, where her husband bore so conspicuous a part. In his long intervals of absence the cares of
