crown of glory; middle age, in smiles and the full fruition
of happiness; infancy, exuberant with joy,—ranged side
by side. The sober-suited grandmother, rich in ex-
perience, had seen sunshine and shadow fall upon ninety- [5]
six years. Four generations sat at that dinner-table.
The rich viands made busy many appetites; but, what
of the poor! Willingly—though I take no stock in
spirit-rappings—would I have had the table give a
spiritual groan for the unfeasted ones. [10]
Under the skilful carving of the generous host, the