We descended the steps and again entered the "flower-room." As I stood once more admiring the inlaid roses, my brother asked:
"Whom, of all the friends you have in heaven, do you most wish to see?"
"My father and mother," I answered quickly.
He smiled so significantly that I hastily turned, and there, advancing up the long room to meet me, I saw my dear father and mother, and with them my youngest sister. With a cry of joy, I flew into my father's outstretched arms, and heard, with a thrill of joy, his dear, familiar "My precious little daughter!"
"At last! at last!" I cried, clinging to him. "At last I have you again!"
"At last!" he echoed, with a deep-drawn breath of joy. Then he resigned me to my dear mother, and we were soon clasped in each other's embrace.
"My precious mother!" "My dear, dear child!" we cried simultaneously; and my sister enfolding us both in her arms, exclaimed with a happy laugh, "I can not wait! I will not be left outside!" and disengaging one arm, I threw it about her into the happy circle of our united love.
Oh, what an hour was that! I did not dream that even heaven could hold such joy. After a time my brother, who had shared our joy, said:
"Now, I can safely leave you for a few hours to this blessed reunion, for I have other work before me."
"Yes," said my father, "you must go. We will with joy take charge of our dear child."