had mellowed the severity of her aspect; and the fixed regard of the
handsome old gentleman opposite seemed to account for the amiable
simper on lips that had not uttered a sharp word for years.

In the place of honour, with the sunshine warm upon it, and a green
garland always round it, was Marmee's beloved face, painted with
grateful skill by a great artist whom she had befriended when poor
and unknown. So beautifully lifelike was it that it seemed to smile
down upon her daughters, saying cheerfully:

'Be happy; I am with you still.'

The three sisters stood a moment looking up at the beloved picture
with eyes full of tender reverence and the longing that never left
them; for this noble mother had been so much to them that no one
could ever fill her place. Only two years since she had gone away to
live and love anew, leaving such a sweet memory behind her that it
was both an inspiration and a comforter to all the household. They
felt this as they drew closer to one another, and Laurie put it into
words as he said earnestly:

'I can ask nothing better for my child than that she may be a woman
like our mother. Please God, she shall be, if I can do it; for I owe
the best I have to this dear saint.'

Just then a fresh voice began to sing 'Ave Maria' in the music-room,
and Bess unconsciously echoed her father's prayer for her as she
dutifully obeyed his wishes. The soft sound of the air Marmee used to
sing led the listeners back into the world again from that momentary
reaching after the loved and lost, and they sat down together near