194 THE LAND OF PLUCK

it herself, and no one cares to scale it in order to get at her.
A state of entire self-satisfaction is the loneliest thing on
earth. Self-approbation is another matter. It is worth
’ trying for because it is, in itself, good. But we must build
steps with it, not walls.

That is what Aunt Patsy did. She cooked better and
better every day. She worked hard for self-approbation,
and slowly made it her stairway. Steadily she mounted,
always humble and fearful of herself, but always hearing
her mistress’s words, “worth your weight in gold”; and
when at last she stood on the top of the little flight, she
felt sure the Lord was pleased that Old Patsy had been of
use to somebody.

To-day, in the soft twilight——a golden haze slowly
hiding the hilltops, gentle memories gathering within my
soul— I can hear the echo of Aunt Patsy’s sweet refrain :

“Swing low, sweet chariot,
Comin’ for to carry me home.”