"Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven," filled the chamber.
And the mother continued—
"Give us this day our daily bread."
"Our daily bread," lingered a moment on the air, as the mother's voice was hushed into silence.
"And forgive us our debts as we also forgive our debtors."
"And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil."
"For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever."
"Amen."
All these holy words were said piously and fervently by the little ones, as they knelt with clasped hands beside their mother. Then as their thoughts, uplifted on the wings of prayer to their heavenly Father, came back again and rested on their earthly parents, a warmer love came gushing from their hearts.
Pure kisses—tender kisses—the fond "good-night." What a sweet agitation pervaded all their feelings. Then two dear heads were placed side by side on the snowy pillows, the mother's last good-night kiss given, and the shadowy curtains drawn.