“For honor standeth not in length of days; neither is it computed by number of years.
“She pleased God and was beloved, and she was taken away from living among sinners.
“Her place was changed, lest evil should mar her understanding or falsehood beguile her soul.
“She was made perfect in a little while, and finished the work of many years.
“For her soul pleased God, and therefore He made haste to lead her forth out of the midst of iniquity.
“And the people saw it and understood it not; neither considered they this—
“That the grace of God and His mercy are upon His saints, and His regard unto His Elect.”
Chief among the mourners was Sophy’s aunt Griselda. She now bitterly repented the unwise and unkind “No.” Sophy was dearer to her than she thought, and when she had talked over her wrongs with Janet, her indignation knew no bounds. It showed itself first of all to the author of these wrongs. Madame came early to her shop on Monday morning, and presuming on her last confidential talk with Miss Kilgour, began the conversation on that basis.
“You see, Miss Kilgour,” she said with a sigh, “what that poor girl’s folly has led her to.”
“I see what she has come to. I’m not blaming Sophy, however.”