And as she uttered this prayer it appeared as if her heart felt lightened of the burden that had crushed it. Then the sun broke forth in all its splendour, a little bird sang over her head, and all the church bells around began to ring the matin chimes. All seemed holy around her; her heart seemed to have drunk in faith and holiness; she acknowledged the might and the mercy of God; she remembered her duties, and felt a longing to regain her home. She hurried thither, and leaning over her still sleeping husband, she awoke him with the touch of her warm lips on his cheek. Her words were those of love and consolation, and in a tone of mild resignation she exclaimed,—
"God's will is always the best!"
Her husband and her daughters were astonished at the change in her, and her husband asked her,—
"Where did you so suddenly acquire this strength—this pious resignation?"
And she smiled on him and her daughters as she replied,—
"I derived it from God, by the grave of my child."
