"There are, indeed, losses, which, in an earthly sense, are irreparable, and although I know nothing personally of such a bereavement, I can understand that the shadow of a mother's tomb grows darker and longer, as the child walks on in the path her care would have smoothed."
"Especially to an orphaned girl; each day has wants and exigencies she had not thought of before. Yet who knows the pains of her lot?" said Josephine, sighing.
"'Few are the hearts whence one same touch,
Bids the sweet fountains flow!'"
repeated Mr. Lacy. "Have you learned that song, according to promise?"
"I always keep my promises."
"May I demand the proof that this one was remembered."
The piece in question lay suspiciously near the top of the portfolio, although she protested that she had "only played it over once, and a fortnight ago."
"It is set as a duett; will not your friend sing with you?"
"I don't know;" shaking her head, smilingly. "She is chary of her favors—all good singers are. Perhaps she will not refuse you—ask her, please! It will be such an improvement!"