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roof opening, and a column of bright faces, rising far away into the
sky, as she had seen in some old scriptural picture once, and looking
down on her, asleep. It was a sweet and happy dream. The quiet spot,
outside, seemed to remain the same, saving that there was music in
the air, and a sound of angels' wings. After a time the sisters came
there, hand in hand, and stood among the graves. And then the
dream grew dim, and faded.
With the brightness and joy of morning, came the renewal of
yesterday's labours, the revival of its pleasant thoughts, the
restoration of its energies, cheerfulness, and hope. They worked gaily
in ordering and arranging their houses until noon, and then went to
visit the clergyman.
He was a simple-hearted old gentleman, of a shrinking, subdued
spirit, accustomed to retirement, and very little acquainted with the
world, which he had left many years before to come and settle in that
place. His wife had died in the house in which he still lived, and he
had long since lost sight of any earthly cares or hopes beyond it.
He received them very kindly, and at once showed an interest in Nell;
asking her name, and age, her birthplace, the circumstances which
had led her there, and so forth. The schoolmaster had already told her
story. They had no other friends or home to leave, he said, and had
come to share his fortunes. He loved the child as though she were his
own.
'Well, well,' said the clergyman. 'Let it be as you desire. She is very
young.' 'Old in adversity and trial, sir,' replied the schoolmaster.
'
'
God help her. Let her rest, and forget them,' said the old gentleman.
But an old church is a dull and gloomy place for one so young as you,
my child.'
'Oh no, sir,' returned Nell. 'I have no such thoughts, indeed.'
'I would rather see her dancing on the green at nights,' said the old
gentleman, laying his hand upon her head, and smiling sadly, 'than
have her sitting in the shadow of our mouldering arches. You must
look to this, and see that her heart does not grow heavy among these
solemn ruins. Your request is granted, friend.'
After more kind words, they withdrew, and repaired to the child's
house; where they were yet in conversation on their happy fortune,
when another friend appeared.
This was a little old gentleman, who lived in the parsonage-house, and
had resided there (so they learnt soon afterwards) ever since the death
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