A Melancholy Meeting. 153

 The sun was high in the heavens before
Gilbert reached his home. He was not un-
noticed, however; Arnold was on the look-
out, and before he had time to ring the bell,
had opened the door to him.
 "Aye, Mr. Gilbert," the old man sighed,
as he shook his head and brushed away a
rebellious tear; "I'm glad enough you're
come, and bless your manly face; you're here
in time, too, thank the Lord for it."
 Grace was soon clasped in her brother's
arms; she could not speak; her pale face bore
traces of the suffering she was in; she trem-
bled so violently in answer to her brother's
inquiry as to whether he might go up-stairs,
that he was compelled to support her, as they
proceeded to the sick room. Noiselessly he
entered the chamber of death, not a word was
spoken by any of the mourners, and long he
gazed on the fair young girl before him, till
as he watched the calmness of her counte-
nance, and noted the faint smile that rested
on her parted lips, his wild sorrow became
stilled, inwardly as well as outwardly, and he
was able to say from his heart, It is good for
us to be here; good to see how those who
love the Saviour can; die good to see the
bright hope pictured on their face, and to feel