She had unconsciously spoken aloud. A soft sweet voice echoed the last
word.

"Alone! ah, my darling, no! not while your mother lives. You and I must
cling the closer together, Vi dearest," the voice went on, while two
loving arms enfolded her and a gentle kiss was imprinted upon cheek and
brow.

"Dearest mamma!" cried Violet, returning the caress, "forgive me that I
should indulge in such grief while you are left me--you and your dear
love, the greatest of earthly treasures."

"Yes, dear child, your grief is very natural. These changes, though not
unmixed calamities, are one of the hard conditions of life in this lower
world, dear daughter; but we must not let them mar our peace and
happiness; let us rejoice over the blessings that are left, rather than
weep for those that are gone."

"I will, mamma," Violet said, wiping away her tears. "Ah, how much I still
have to rejoice in and be thankful for!"

"Yes, dear, we both have! and not the least the love of Him who has said,
'Lo, _I_ am with you _alway_.' Oh the joy, the bliss of knowing that
_nothing_ can ever part us from _Him_! And then to know, too, that some
day we shall all be together in His immediate presence, beholding His face
and bearing His image!"

Neither spoke again for some moments, then the mother said, "Vi, dearest,
there is nothing more conducive to cheerfulness at such a time as this
than being fully employed. So I ask you to take charge of Rosie and Walter