It burdened their waking reveries. It
wailed in the winds, it wound the sunbeams, flowers and trees with
weeds of melancholy wo. [Transcriber's note: woe?]

In the darkest day, however, their faith and hope did not quite desert
them; and after the first heavy stroke, these Christian graces rose up
and strengthened them; and never were comforts so sweet as those
received from the Scriptures and from their religious trusts.

"God is good," said Fabens. "He may give us trials and griefs--and we
have had a portion. He may tear our beloved from us when least of all
it may seem we can spare them. His Providence may appear in the storm
and tempest; in anguish, bereavement and death; still he is good, and
he will bring good out of evil."

X.

THE SUGAR PARTY.

Time went on its course like the constant roll of waters, and seasons
came and went as usual in the Waldron Settlement. A deep and early
snow having fallen, and remained with frequent additions, a long and
rigorous winter reigned in absolute sway. But now, on the last of
February, the sun wheeled high on his circuits; thaws and rains ensued,
and the first robin on the leafless maple sang, sweet harbinger of
spring. Winter recalled his tyrant ministers, or restrained them in
their wrath; and milder days and warmer skies appeared in pleasant
alternation, with many still of tempest and gloom.

The milder days multiplied; the snow had less depth on the earth, and
now came on the season of sugar making. In all our forest region
magnificent sugar maples abounded like an orchard, and Fabens prepared
for his spring encampment in the bush. His shanty was repaired with
new bark on the roof, and a fresh carpet of clean wheat straw on the
rough bark floor; his kettles were hung; his troughs were turned up by
the trees and cleaned of the mould and cobwebs of the last season;
sleek slanting boxes were cut in the sides of the noble maples in the
process of tapping, and spouts driven under to conduct the sap to the
troughs; and quick was his step and diligent his labor, to gather and
boil so fast that his troughs would not run over.

The camp was within hearing distance of the house, and his father,
though trembling with age, went out to keep him company, and attend to
the fire and kettles, while he was away with two pails, gathering the
delicious flowings of his maples.

And Julia, too, was there on many a pleasant afternoon, plying her busy
distaff in the shan