Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1878-01-30
A Mothers Twilight Talk.

Mrs. Alden and her little daughter were
sitting together on Sunday evening in the
quiet time between daylight and darkness
Mrs. Alden laid aside her book when she
could no longer see to read, and Rose was
soon in her favorite seat within her mothers
arms. Tonight the little head nestled close.
and the merry mischievous eyes wore an UNI
usually thoughtful expression. For, only
few days ago, Roses little playmate, Lettie
Parr had been laughing and romping with
her in this very room, and now Lettie is
taking her last long sleep i'll the lonely grave
vard where she and Rose used often to
pause and look in through the barred gates,
and spell out the names on the white tomb
stones. Now Lette is one of that silent
company, her sunny head laid low, her merry
voice hushed forever. 1t was the first time
that death had come so near to Rose; and
her grief was deep, though she bore it very
silently. To-day, in Sunday-schoo, her
teacher spoke of the sad event, and assured
her scholars that Lettie was safe in heaven
Rose knew this before, but somehow, it did
not seem to give her much comfort
Mamma" said she, "l don't see how
Lettie can BE- happy up in heaven"
Why, daring?'
"Because, mamna-but-b but-.m afraid
it is wicked to say it, but cant help think
ing it,
Say it then, Rose" said mamma.
al think Lette will not like streets of
gold she told me once that she loved soft
green fields better than hard streets. And
then | know she must feel lonely, for she
never would stay away all night from her
mamma you know how often wanted her
to stay and sleep with me and she would
not and, you remember once when coaxed
her she did stay, and she woke III the night
and cried because she wanted to see her
papa and mamma. And it must be worse
in heaven, I'm sure, for she doesn't know
any one there cannot tell how she helps
wanting to be home"
1t was long time before Mrs. Alden
answered she only smoothed Roses hair
caressingly, and her face looked as though
her thoughts were far away. When she did
speak, her first words banished the little
girls serious thoughts for time.
Rose" said she, g Do you ever think of
the pleasant time you had at ilillsdale last
summer y
"Think of itl' exclaimed Rose, eagerly,
d" guess do think of it; cant go next
summer, mamma dear? Oh hadn't | a
splendid time, though !"
But | remember, Rose" said Mrs Al
den, how distressed you were the night
before you started. You were sure you
would not be happy at Hillsdale, so far from
home if | could only go with you, instead
of papa's friend, Mr.. Close, whom you
scarcely knew and you were afraid you
would feel so strange With Aunt Rachel and
the cousins whom you had never seen. In
deed, was greatly troubled for you, and
think | would have kept you at home only
] for illnnss and fnrt tho HoeiOr'-
orders that you should have change of air.
But then, mamma" said Rose, "Mr
| Close was so kind, aud there were so many
things to see along the road and inside the
cars--for you know | never travelled before
aud when Aunt Rachel came out to NEE
me- and kissed me, aud held me to her, anC
said she was so glad to see me, felt as if
had known her always and then, first thinl
after dinner Cousin Joe aud Annie took mi
fishing, and caught the first fish, and | ha.
never fished before, and they had, often
and the way we used to roll down the hay
NOW in the barn - And Rose rambled ol
about the time Annie's old black hen wa
lost, and they found her under a bush il
the garden, with a stolen nest, full of egg
till Mrs. Alden interrupted her.
Rose, how many times did you wish yo
were home 2"
Oh, not once" said Rose 81 had n
= time to think about home, only sometimes
thought how much would have to tell you.
Dear Rose, can you see how it may h
! the same with Lefty She has gone to he
Father whom she has never seen but
know he wanted her, and will be glad to Sc
her, for he has loved her intensely all he
life. am sure she will feel at home wit
him. Aud then, everything will be so he
5 to her, and so full OF interest, that she wi
have no time to think OF her earthly HON
: unless to rejoice in all the beauties that sh
{ will have, not only to tell of, but to show h.
! dear friends when they join her there"
u The shadows deepened, the freight ilic
cred against the wall, and Rose, thoughttl
again, was silent long while.
"Mamma," she said, at last, what d
:. Mrs. Parr say about Lefty when we went
h see her ?"
" She said" replied Mrs. Alden, 80 o.
loss is her GAIN
u "Yes, that is it, Our loss is her gain; :;
a can see how it is now, mamma, a little"
II Sunday School Times.