Connecticut western news., 1883-03-28
THE OLD WIFE.
Home Story-s' Our First Parting in Over
 Seventy Years"

She had lain all day in stupor, breathing with heavily-laden breath, but as the sun sank to rest in the far-off western sky, and the red glow on the wall of the room faded into dense shades, she awoke and called feebly to her part ner, who sat motionless by her bedside. He bent over his dying wife, took her wan, wrinkled hand in his. "Is it night ?" she asked in tremulous tones, looking at him with eyes that saw not. "Yes," he answered softly; "it is growing dark. |" "Where are the children she queried; "are they all in2" Poor old man How could he answer herr The children who had slept forlong years in the old church. yard, who had borne the burden and heat of the day, and, growing old, had laid down the cross and gone to wear the crown before the father and mother had finished their sojourn. "The children are all safe," answered the old man, tremulously; "don't think of them, Janet; think of yourself. Does the way seem dark ?"
 ":My trust is in Thee; let me never be confounded What does it matter if the way is dark I'd rather walk with God in the dark than walk alone in the light. I'd rather walk with Him in faith than walk alone by sight. John, where little Charley?" she asked. Her mind was in the past. The grave-dust of twenty years had lain on Charlie's golden hair, but the mother had never forgotten him. The old man patted her cold hands-hands that had labored so hard that they were scanned and wrinkled and calloused with years of toll, and the wedding-ring was worn to thread of gold-and then he pressed his thin lips to them and cried. She had encouraged and strengthened him in every toll of life. Why, what a woman she had been! What worker What a leader in Is- rael Always with the gift of prayer or service. They had stood at many a death-bed together-closed the eyes of loved ones, and then sat down with the Bible between them to read the promises. Now then she was able to cross the dark river alone. And it was strange and sad to the old man, and the yellow haired granddaughter left them, to hear her babble of walks in the woods; of gathering May flowers and strolling with John; of petty household cares that she had always put down with a strong, resolute hand; of wedding feasts and death bed triumphs; and when at midnight she heard the bridegroom s voice, and the old man, bending over her, cried pitifully, and the young grand daughter kissed her pale brow there was solemn joy in her voice as she spoke the names of her children, one by one, as if she saw them with immortal eyes, and with one glad smile put on inn mortality. They led the old man sob- ping away, and when he saw her again the glad sun was shining, the air was iubilant with the songs of birds, and she lay asleep on the couch under the north window, where he had seen her so often lie down to rest while waiting for the Sabbath bell And she wore the same best black silk, and the string of gold beads about her thin neck, and the folds of white tulle, only now the brooch with his miniature was wanting, and in it's place was white rose and spray of cedar-she had loved cedar-she had loved to sing over her work:
 Oh, may in His courts be seen.
 Like young cedar, fresh and green.
 But strange transformation was there The wrinkles gone; the traces of age and pain and weariness were all smoothed out; the face had grown strangely young, and placid smile was on the pale lips. The old man was awed by the likeness to the bride of his youth. He kissed the unresponsive lips, and said softly You've found heaven, Janet, but you'll come for me soon. It's our first parting in over seventy years, but it won't be fol long-it won't be for long P And it was not. The winter snows have not fallen, and today would have been their dia. mond-wedding. We planned much fo1 it, and l wonder-I wonder-but no Where they are there is neither marriage nor giving 1n marriage.