Library of the best American literature / Containing the lives of our authors in story form, their portraits, their homes, and their personal traits, how they worked and what they wrote; choice selections from eminent writers, embracing great American poets and novelists, foremost women in American letters, distinguished critics and essayists, our national humorists, noted journalists and magazine contributors, popular writers for young people, great orators and public lecturers

by Unknown

It slowly glides within the room,

And sadly looks around—

And stooping, kissed her daughter’s cheek

With lips that gave no sound!

Then softly on the stepdame’s arm

She laid a death-cold hand,

Yet it hath scorched within the flesh

Like to a burning brand;

And gliding on with noiseless foot,

O’er winding stair and hall,