The Close of the Day 



hood too strong to be broken through, even at this hour of 

 heavy trial. 



A few gentle snowflakes fell lightly on the coffin, and on 

 the small bunches of violets which lay upon the casket as it 

 was lowered into its resting-place ; and now all being over, we 

 passed out of the churchyard, and through the throng of 

 mourners who stood in silent reverence, expressive of their 

 grief and sympathy, and so back to Edmondthorpe Hall, now so 

 redolent of sorrow ; empty in hearth and heart because of him 

 who was not, yet crowded with many tender and fragrant 

 memories, which, in increasing measure, would bring comfort 

 and consolation in the days to come. 



175 



