Safe as a babe upon its mother’s breast.
Love is the mainspring; love, and love alone,
Supplies the sweets of life, the joyful tone
Which joys in living each and every day;
Love is the light which lightens all the way.
Until at last, when earthly love is o’er—
And then, behold, ’tis love for evermore!
“THUS WERE ROBERT’S EARLY HOPES AND PLANS REALIZED.”
Thus were Robert’s early hopes and plans materialized. With that day came the fruition of most of his dreams, and as the days and weeks and years passed by and the fine spots in his character, the foundations of which had been so well and truly laid, developed further it was seen that they provided for a real happiness. Mary, too, had her part in providing the peacefulness and comfort of a happy home. She was a true helpmate, and with the years there came to him the blessings that come in a home. Sons and daughters were given to them, fourteen in all, and while these brought added cares and responsibilities, they brought added joys. With the course of time Robert extended his holdings. After the first few years his land had been practically all cleared, and as his sons were born to him he was anxious that provision should be made for their future. He worked hard and introduced the boys also to a life of similar industry, though he and his wife were careful to give them such education as was possible in the neighborhood. Population also grew rapidly in the district, and when Robert’s sturdy principles of character made themselves known among the neighbors various honors such as come to a similar type of man were given to him. He was a man of whom the district was proud, a man who accepted such responsibilities as were given him seriously, a man who was sure to see that things were done when they were undertaken. Robert did not escape difficulties. Even in those days business transactions were not altogether free from vexatious happenings, but he pursued the policy of honesty and straightforwardness which had been so carefully drilled into him by his father and mother, and by reason of this was always on the right side. People knew that his word could be depended on, that it was as good as his bond, that when he said a thing he meant it and that it was right.