"How beautiful, how much more so in its simplicity than if it had been
ornamented, and a labored epitaph written upon it," said Mr. Weston. "Here
too are members of families, assembled in one great family. As we walk
along, we pass mothers, and husbands, and children; but in life, they who
lie here together, were possibly all strangers."

"What is that large vault open to-day for?" said Ellen, to a man who seemed
to have some charge in the place.

"That is the public receptacle," said the man. "We are obliged to air it
very often, else we could never go in and out with the coffins we put
there. There's a good many in there now."

"Who is there?" said Mr. Weston.

"Well," said the man, "Mrs. Madison is there, for one, and there are some
other people, who are going to be moved soon. Mrs. Madison, she's going to
be moved, too, some time or another, but I don't know when."

Ellen stooped down and looked in, but arose quickly and turned away. Two
gentlemen were standing near observing her, and one of them smiled as she
stepped back from the vault. Mr. Weston knew this person by sight; he was a
clergyman of great talent, and almost equal eccentricity, and often gave
offence by harshness of manner, when he was only anxious to do good to the
cause in which his heart was absorbed.

"Ah! young ladies," he said, looking kindly at them both, "this is a good
place for you to come to. You are both beautiful, and it may be wealthy;
and I doubt not, in the enjoyments of the passing season, you have
forgotten all about death and the grave. But, look you! in there, lies the
mortal remains of Mrs. Madison. What an influence she had in this gay
society, which you have doubtless adorned. Her presence was the guarantee
of propriety, as well as of social and fashionable enjoyment; the very
contrast that she presented to her husband made her more charming. Always
anxious to please, she was constantly making others happy. She gave
assistance and encouragement to all, when it was in her power. She had more
political influence than any woman in our country has had, before or since.
But think of her now! You could not bear to approach the coffin that
contains her remains. Where is her beauty--and her grace and talent? Ah!
young ladies," he continued, "did she rightly use those talents?"

"It is hardly a fair question to ask now," said Mr. Weston. "Let us tread
lightly o'er the ashes of the dead."

"Let the living learn a lesson from the de