mother had gone out for a walk at her request, and that they were to be
left together for the whole evening.

"So now," she added, "I shall have a chance to tell you a great deal
that you have never thought about; that is, how delightful it will be
when we leave earth and go to heaven. Oh! oh!" she continued, growing
more and more excited as she went on, "who can tell how beautiful it
will be? Far more lovely than anything we have ever seen; and there will
be no sick people there, and no one is tired there; everybody is happy,
and there is a river with flowers growing along its banks, and--but
wait; I will tell you Clarissa's song, and then you'll know about it."

Nora's great eyes grew more sparkling, and the red spot in her pale
cheeks burned more than ever, as she recited the Song of Paradise; while
Elsli listened with growing wonder to her excited tones. It seemed as if
she saw the beauty that the song described, and her voice trembled with
emotion. When she ceased with the last words, "The sick are well again,"
Elsli sat silent and motionless, oppressed with awe and with this wholly
new experience, while Nora seemed absorbed in her own thoughts.

"Don't you like the song?" asked she at last.

"Oh, yes, indeed!" said Elsli decidedly.

"Wouldn't you like to go with me, where it is so beautiful?"

"Are you going?" asked Elsli.

"Oh, yes, very soon. Clarissa told me long ago about it; and how Philo
went, and I should go too. She has talked to me again and again about