"You are thinking that it is hardly possible?" said John with a smile.
"I suppose it is possible," said Ellen "but"
"But lovely as this world is, Ellie, man has filled it with sin, and sin has everywhere brought its punishment, and under the weight of both the earth groans. There will be no sin there; sorrow and sighing shall flee away; love to each other and love to their blessed King will fill all hearts, and his presence will be with them. Don't you see that, even if that world shall be in itself no better than this, it will yet be far, far more lovely than this can ever be, with the shadow of sin upon it?"
"Oh, yes!" said Ellen. "I know, whenever I feel wrong in any way, nothing seems pretty or pleasant to me, or not half so much."
"Very well," said John "I see you understand me. I like to think of that land, Ellen very much."
"Mr. John," said Ellen "don't you think people will know each other again?"
"Those that love each other here! I have no doubt of it."
Before either John or Ellen had broken the long musing fit that followed these words, they were joined by Alice. Her head was better; and taking her place in the window-seat, the talk began again, between the brother and sister now; Ellen too happy to sit with them and listen. They talked of that land again, of the happy company preparing for it; of their dead mother, but not much of her; of the glory of their King, and the joy of his service even here till thoughts grew too strong for words, and silence again stole upon the group. The short winter-day came to an end; the sunlight faded away into moonlight. No shadows lay now on the lawn; and from where she sat Ellen could see the great hemlock all silvered with the moonlight, which began to steal in at the window. It was very, very beautiful yet she could think now without sorrow that all this should come to an end; because of that new heaven and new earth wherein righteousness should dwell.
"We have eaten up all your grapes, Ellie," said Alice "or rather I have, for John didn't help me much. I think I never ate so sweet grapes in my life; John said the reason was because every one tasted of you."
"I am very glad," said Ellen, laughing.