Edward took the Bible under his arm, and Alice by the hand. Humphrey
led Edith until they arrived at the grave, when the two little girls saw
the covered body of Jacob lying in it.

"Kneel down," said Edward, opening the Bible. And they all knelt down
by the grave. Edward read the two Psalms, and then closed the book.
The little girls took one last look at the body, and then turned away
weeping to the cottage. Edward and Humphrey filled up the grave, and
then followed their sisters home.

"I'm glad it's over," said Humphrey, wiping his eyes. "Poor old Jacob!
I'll put a paling round his grave."

"Come in, Humphrey," said Edward.

Edward sat down upon old Jacob's chair, and took Alice and Edith to him.
Putting his arm round each, he said:

"Alice and Edith, my dear little sisters, we have lost a good friend,
and one to whose memory we cannot be too grateful. He saved us from
perishing in the flames which burnt down our father's house, and has
protected us here ever since. He is gone; for it has pleased God to
summon him to Him, and we must bow to the will of Heaven; and here we
are, brothers and sisters, orphans, and with no one to look to for
protection but Heaven. Here we are, away from the rest of the world,
living for one another. What then must we do? We must love one another
dearly, and help one another. I will do my part, if my life is spared,
and so will Humphrey, and so will you, my dear sisters. I can answer
for all. Now it is no use to lament--we must all work, and work
cheerfully; and we will pray every morning and every night that God will
bless our endeavours, and enable us to provide for ourselves, and live
here in peace and safety. Kiss me, dear Alice and Edith, and kiss
Humphrey, and kiss one another. Let these kisses be the seals to our
bond; and let us put our trust in Him who only is a father to the widow
and the orphan. And now let us pray."

Edward and the children repeated the Lord's Prayer, and then rose up.
They went to their respective employments, and the labour of the day
soon made them composed, although then, for many days afterwards, it was
but occasionally that a smile was seen upon their lips.

Thus passed a week, by which time Edward's arm was so far well that it
gave him no pain, and he was able to assist Humphrey in the work on the
farm. The snow had disappeared, and the spring, although it had been
checked for a time, now made rapid advances. Constant occupa