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[349]
active labor.
She canvassed the city of Philadelphia, and also traveled in different parts of Pennsylvania and New Jersey in order to obtain assistance in this important undertaking.
“Is it not wrong,” a friend once asked, “that you should do so much, while so many are doing nothing?”
“Oh, there are hundreds who would gladly work as I do,” was her reply, “but they have not my powers of endurance.”
The fair in which she was so actively interested took place in June, and a large sum was added to the fund previously obtained for the benefit of the “Soldiers' home.”
The work now progressed rapidly, and the personal aid and influence of Miss Ross were exerted to forward it in every possible way. Yet while deeply absorbed in the promotion of this object, which was very near to her heart, she found time to brighten, with characteristic tenderness and devotion, the last hours of the Rev. Dr. Clay, the aged and revered minister of the ancient church, in which the marriage of her parents had taken place so many years before.
With his own family she watched beside his bed, and with them received his parting blessing.
The waning year found the noble undertaking, the object of so many prayers and the goal of such ardent desire, near a prosperous completion.
A suitable building had been obtained, and many busy days were occupied in the delightful task of furnishing it. At the close of a day spent in this manner, the friend who had been Miss Ross's companion proposed that the remaining purchases should be deferred to another time, urging, in addition to her extreme fatigue, that many of the stores were closed.
“Come to South Street with me,” she replied.
“They keep open there until twelve o'clock, and we may find exactly what we want.”
The long walk was taken, and when the desired articles were secured she yielded to her friend's entreaties, and at a late hour sought her home.
As she pursued her solitary way came there no foreshadowing of what was to be?
no whisper of the hastening summons?
no token of the quick release?
Wearily
1867.
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