Elsie's Widowhood / A Sequel to Elsie's Children

ELSIE'S WIDOWHOOD A SEQUEL TO ELSIE'S CHILDREN BY MARTHA FINLEY
Alone she wanders where with HIM she trod, No arm to stay her, but she leans on God.
—O. W. Holmes
NEW YORK DODD, MEAD AND COMPANY Publishers
Copyright, 1880, by Dodd, Mead & Company.
It was not in my heart to give to my favorite child, Elsie, the sorrows of Widowhood. But the public made the title and demanded the book; and the public, I am told, is autocratic. So what could I do but write the story and try to show how the love of Christ in the heart can make life happy even under sore bereavement? The apostle says, I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation; and since trouble, trial and affliction are the lot of all in this world of sin and sorrow, what greater kindness could I do you, dear reader, than to show you where to go for relief and consolation? That this little book may teach the sweet lesson to many a tried and burdened soul, is the earnest prayer of your friend,
The Author.
All love is sweet, Given or returned. Common as light is love, And its familiar voice wearies not ever.
— Shelley.
Come in, Vi, darling, said Mrs. Travilla's sweet voice, we will be glad to have you with us.
Violet, finding the door of her mother's dressing-room ajar, had stepped in, then drawn hastily back, fearing to intrude upon what seemed a private interview between her and her namesake daughter; Elsie being seated on a cushion at her mamma's feet, her face half hidden on her lap, while mamma's soft white hand gently caressed her hair and cheek.
I feared my presence might not be quite desirable just now, mamma, Violet said gayly, coming forward as she spoke. But what is the matter? she asked in alarm, perceiving that tears were trembling in the soft brown eyes that were lifted to hers. Dear mamma, are you ill? or is Elsie? is anything wrong with her?