274 THE LEMON-PLANT. 



child of God, loaded with innumerable blessings 

 by my heavenly Father; every want supplied, 

 every wish gratified. But don't doubt that, when 

 he sees fit, he will find a cross for me.' She pres- 

 ently after brought a miniature, and laid it before 

 me, asking if I knew who it represented. I re- 

 plied, 1 had seen some one like it, but could not 

 tell where. Her mother, who had joined us, said, 

 ' Five years before you met, that was a most strik- 

 ing likeness of Marie.' 



I gazed in astonishment, comparing the lofty and 

 spirited mein, the brilliant glow of youthful beauty, 

 and deep rich auburn tint of a profuse head of hair, 

 as represented in the minature, with the meek 

 quiet aspect, the faded complexion, and the very 

 thin locks of pale yellow, that marked my friend. 

 She sat quite still during the scrutiny, then said, 

 ' It really was a surprising likeness, taken just be- 

 fore I lost my darling brother.' Her tears flowed, 

 and, smiling through them, she added, while closing 

 the miniature, : You must not suppose that I had 

 no troubles to bring me to the cross.' 



This was the only allusion that she ever made 

 to former trials ; but the incident sunk deep into 

 my mind, showing me the Lord's mercy to his 

 dear child, in giving her a season of calm enjoy- 

 ment after severe tossings on a stormy sea. Dear, 

 gentle Marie ! it was not the combination of ex 

 ternal things, that, gratifying her taste, produced 



