Definition of "gladdening"

After the buoyancy and gladdenings of her joyous welcome had subsided, she requested that he would make a point of coming to her ball — the same to which Miss Cunningham and her aunt were invited.

1822, John Galt, Sir Andrew Wylie, of that ilk, page 101

Now, the cheerful sun looks in mockingly; we rejoice not in the face of day; it brings not hope, but memory to our minds; and we only watch the gladdening beams to think that they are shining on the narrow grave.

1834, L[etitia] E[lizabeth] L[andon], chapter I, in Francesca Carrara. […], volume III, London: Richard Bentley, […], (successor to Henry Colburn), page 1