Agnes C Wirt - and Other Books for Children and Youth

AGNES C. WIRT, AND OTHER BOOKS FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH. AGNES C. WIRT was the youngest daughter of the Hon. William Wirt, and almost the youngest member of a large and happy band of affection ate sisters and brothers. Her peculiarly lovely disposition, and the natural delicacy of her constitution, combined to render her an object of especial love and tender solicitude with all the household. Mr. AVirt took great pains with the education of his children, giving them every ad- vantage which the best instructors, aided by his own personal supervision, could afford and in their hours of recreation he often joined in their youthful sports, which he possessed the happiest faculty of rendering instructive as well as amusing. His presence was therefore always hailed with eager delight by the youthful group, and their young companions coveted no higher en- joyment than the privilege of spending an even- ing at his cheerful fireside. Inthis happy and well-ordered household the children felt for their parents the highest vener- ation, mingled with the most ardent and devoted affection and towards each other that unselfish love which makes us prefer anothers happiness before our own, and causes an atmosphere of peace and joy to surround every family circle in which it exists. Under these refining and elevating influences, few could fail to be improved and certainly they were not lost upon Agnes, whoso mind early displayed a wonderful maturity and power, which made her no less an object of parental admiration than she had ever been of devoted affection. Her face too was extremely interesting, for to the beauty of her delicate features was added the charm of a love- ly and intelligent expression ofcountenance. Her parents resided during the greater part of her life in the city of Washington, where they and in- mingled with the most refined, polished, tellectual society. Mr. Wirts talents and repu- tation attracted continually a large number of visitors to his house, among whom Agnes was caressed and flattered, being admired for her superior talents, graceful manners, and pleasing appearance. Still she preserved to a remarkable degree her natural modesty and simplicity of character. Grateful to friends who showed her kindness, her heart went forth in perpetual offices of love to those around her, while she re- mained apparently unconscious of possessing in herself any peculiar charm or attraction. The bright, cheering, animated smile which lighted up her amiable and intelligent face, was like a ray of sunshine to the sac and weary and her softly spoken words of love were treasured up long after her fair young form had passed out of sight. With her school-fellows and playmates she was gay and joyous, and full of innocent mirth, her ringing laugh and read wit ever mak- ing their childish sports merrier and brighter. But though the pleasing qualities of the heart and mind which have been described were well calculated to render her a favorite companion, there was a still higher grace, which beautified every other, and elevated her whole character, without which she could not have produced such strong and abiding impressions, nor so commanded the respect as well as the affection of all who knew her. This was the grace of religion...