I see the blue flames quivering and curling close and the
smouldering embers on the hearth. I hear soft footsteps and sobbing
voices and see the clasped hands and placid smile of her who, alone
among us all, was untroubled; and over the darkness and the pain I
hear voice, saying, "She is not dead, but sleepeth." Would, dear
reader, that you might remember, and I too all ways, the importance
of soft and careful words. One harsh or even thoughtlessly chosen
epithet, may bear with it a weight which shall weigh down some heart
through all life. There are for us all nights of sorrow, in which we
feel their value. Help us, our Father, to remember it!
MR. QUERY'S INVESTIGATION.
"HE is a good man, suppose, and an excellent doctor," said Mrs.
Salina Simmons, with a dubious shake of her head but----"
"But what, Mrs. Simmons?"
"They say he _drinks!_"
"No, impossible!" exclaimed Mr. Josiah Query, with emphasis.
"Impossible? I hope so," said Mrs. Simmons. "And--mind you, I don't
say he _drinks_, but that such is the report. And I have it upon
tolerably good authority, too, Mr. Query."
"What authority?"
"Oh, I couldn't tell that: for you know I never like to make
mischief. I can only say that the _report_ is--he drinks."
Mr. Josiah Query scratched his head.
Pages:
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94