The cousins embraced; and in a few minutes the Fairy
had disappeared in the distance. Madeline lingered
awhile at the casement, thinking tenderly of the gentle-hearted
Fairy, and watching the horizon. At last the
outline of the Fairy’s home appeared clear and
bright against the dark blue heaven, and then subsided
gently by degrees. And Madeline closed the window,
grateful and happy, and went after her boy. But
she had not far to go; for he was coming along the
passages with all his brothers and sisters, wild with
delight. And oh, how Roderick chattered and talked
about all their faces, and how he loved to see the
fat cheeks of one near his own age, and how some had
grown, and their noses improved, and what beautiful
curls another had! In short, if he had gone on
long they would all have got quite conceited and fancy,
and fancied themselves a set of downright beauties.
But you see it was love that made poor Roderick
admire them all so much; and, above all, he was charmed
when they smiled. Ah, how little do brothers
and sisters know how tender their recollections of
each others’ faces would become, were a separation
to take place among them! Then all the sweet
smiles and pretty looks would be recalled, that in
every day life are seen with such indifference.
“Little children, love one another,” during
the happy days when you live together in health and
comfort.
Can you guess, dear readers, what a joyous evening
it was, that day at the Sea Castle Home? How
the poor Father rejoiced, and how the old Hall was
lighted up for the Servants, to share in the joy by
a merry dance; and how all the children danced too;
and how a barrel of good ale was tapped, for every
one to drink to the health and happiness of Master
Roderick, and all the family. But you never can
guess how Roderick teased all his brothers and sisters
that evening, by constantly kissing them. In
the midst of a country dance he would run right across
to the ladies, when he ought to be standing still and
polite, and kiss two or three of his sisters as they
were waiting to dance in their turn, and tell them
how nice they looked! Or he would actually run
right away from his place, to his Papa and Mamma;—jump
on their knees, and hug them very hard, and then run
back again, perhaps, into the middle of the dance,
and put every thing into confusion. But the happiest
scene of all was, when the Father and Mother thanked
God that night for the blessing that had returned to
their little boy.
And do not ask me, I beg, if he ever was afraid of
being in the dark again. No, dear Readers, his
temporary misfortune had taught him the best of all
lessons;—A LIVING FAITH AND TRUST IN THE
PROTECTING OMNIPRESENCE OF GOD.
THE LOVE OF GOD.
PREAMBLE (FROM LIFE.)
Van Artevelde. These are but words. Elena.
My lord, they’re full of meaning! Van Artevelde.
