We had such a merry, enjoyable supper, such a lovely long evening, and were brimfull of happiness.
But the next morning papa gathered up his flock, “what there was left of them,” he said with a certain comical grimace.
“I don’t know as you need lament,” answered Stephen. “I think the sons are coming in pretty rapidly.”
“And if there should be seven! Mother what would we do with them all?”
Mamma smiled a little as Stephen went around and kissed her.
“Remember that I am the first one; I will never be crowded out of my place.”
“No,” she answered softly.
They all went away that noon, and left us to begin our home life. We had talked it over, what we were to do for the boys, what for ourselves, and what for the world outside. For the true life is not bounded with a narrow—thou and I. The world takes us in, and over and above all, God takes us in. His vineyard, His day, and first and always His everlasting love.
Young Folks’ Heroes of the Rebellion.
By Rev. P. C. HEADLEY.