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Aa . this narrative. Yet, if the vote had been
ip A ( a wy . .
eZ ye taken among all the people in and about

Ashdell, the voice of highest approval
would probably have been for Matilda.
Advantages of person were joined with
sound understanding, delicate taste, and accomplished
education; and these were crowned by that which

WS

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Solomon says is the chief praise of the sex (Prov. xxxi.
30). But so retiring was she that many who saw her
every day had no suspicion of her attainments or her
force of character; and some in her vicinity were even
unaware of her existence. During the feeble and de-
clining health of her father she was the manager of his
domestic affairs, and the guide and example of her
little brothers. It was her graceful hospitality and
intelligent conversation which formed the principal
charm of the Spring’ Hill parsonage.

The intimacy was very natural which sprang up