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THE CHILD IN THE GRAVE 697
and a light to her spirit; and she bowed her knees and prayed for forgiveness that she had wisked to keep back a soul from its immortal flight, and that she had forgotten her duties towards the living who were left to her.
And when she had spoken those words, it was as if her heart were lightened. Then the sun burst forth, and over her head a little bird sang out, and the church bells sounded for early service. Everything was holy around her, and her heart was chastened. She acknowledged the goodness of God, acknowledged the duties she had to perform, and eagerly she went home. She bent over her husband, who still slept; her warm devoted kiss awakened him, and heart-felt words of love came from the lips of both. And she was gentle and strong as a wife can be; and from her came the consoling words,
God's will is always the best.
Then her husband asked her,
* From whence hast thou all at once derived this strength —this feeling of consolation ? '
And she kissed him, and kissed her children, and said,
* They came from God, through the child in the grave.' |
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THE FARM-YARD COCK AND WEATHERCOCK
There were two Cocks—one on the dunghill, the other on the roof. Both were conceited ; but which of the two effected most ? Tell us your opinion ; but we shall keep our own nevertheless.
The poultry-yard was divided by a wooden fence from another yard, in which lay a manure-heap, whereon grew a great Cucumber, which was fully conscious of being a forcing-bed plant.
' That's a privilege of birth,' the Cucumber said to herself. ' Not all can be born cucumbers ; there must be other kinds too. The fowls, the ducks, and all the cattle in the neighbouring yard are creatures too. I now look |
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