s," she replied; "I know that something
painful has happened; but for Christ's blessed sake, don't look so
sorrowful and broken-hearted, or you will--"

"Alice," said she, interrupting her, in a calm, soft voice, like low
music, "open my bosom--open my bosom, Alice; you will find a miniature
there; take it out; I wish to look upon it."

"O thin," said the girl, as she proceeded to obey her, "happy is he that
rests so near that pure and innocent and sorrowful heart; and great and
good must he be that is worthy of it."

There was in the look which Lucy cast upon her when she had uttered
these words a spirit of gentle but affectionate reproof; but she spoke
it not.

"Give it to me, Alice," she said; "but unlock it first; I feel that my
hands are too feeble to do so."

Alice unlocked the miniature, and Lucy then taking it from her, looked
upon it for a moment, and then pressing it to her lips with a calm
emotion, in which grief and despair seemed to mingle, she exclaimed,

"Alas! mamma, how much do I now stand in need of your advice and
consolation! The shrine in which your affection and memory dwelt, and
against whose troubled pulses your sweet and serene image lay, is
now broken. There, dearest mamma, you will find nothing in future but
affliction and despair. It has been said, that I have inherited your
graces and your virtues, most beloved parent; and if so, alas! in how
remote a degree, for who could equal you? But how would it have wining
your gentle and loving heart to know that I should have inherited your
secret griefs and sufferings? Yes, mamma, both are painted on that
serene brow; for no art of the limner could conceal their mournful
traces, nor remove the veil of sorrow which an unhappy destiny threw
over your beauty. There, in that clear and gentle eye, is still
the image of your love and sympathy--there is that smile so full of
sweetness and suffering. Alas, alas! how closely do we resemble each
other in all things. Sweet and blessed saint, if it be permitted,
descend and let your spirit be with me--to guide, to soothe, and to
support me; your task will not be a long one, beloved parent. From this
day forth my only hope will be to join you. Life has nothing now but
solitude and sorrow. There is no heart with which I can hold communion;
for my grief, and the act of duty which occasions it, must be held
sacred from all."

She kissed the miniature once more, but without tears, and after a
little, she ma