Page:Letters of Life.djvu/169

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ARISTOCRACY OF THE OLDEN TIME.
157

precincts of Huntington Square; and they and their children formed an integral part of those weekly social gatherings which kept bright the chain of affection, and the fountain of kindred sympathy. To be occasionally comprehended in those circles, and partake their "feast of reason and flow of soul," which comprised always a most liberal admixture of creature-comforts, was accounted a rare privilege.

On such an occasion I had more than once the pleasure of seeing the venerable mother of that noble race. To young eyes she seemed a person of extreme age, and probably surpassed fourscore. It was beautiful to note how warmly she was welcomed, and what marked and sweet respect was paid her by all her descendants. Her presence seemed the centre and crown of their enjoyments. Tenderly cared for and honored, she dwelt under the roof of her youngest son, General Zachariah Huntington, until her death, which, I think, was sudden, and from the effects of severe influenza. This son, who superintended a mercantile establishment as well as the culture of his extensive grounds, took great delight in music. He possessed a scientific knowledge of it, with a voice of great power and melody. A desire to improve this important department of Divine worship induced him at one time to become the leader of our choir in church. This voluntary service was appreciated by the people, and the labor connected with it felt to be, on his part, both a condescen-