198 THE FAT OF THE LAND 



away. Polly was searching fruitlessly for some- 

 thing to dry the tears that overran her eyes, and 

 I was able to lend her aid, but the accommoda- 

 tion was of the nature of a " call loan." 



As we separated for the night, Jarvis said : 

 " Lady mother, this day has been a revelation to 

 me. If I live a hundred years, I shall never 

 forget it." I was slow in bringing it to a close. 

 As I loitered in my room, I heard the shuffling 

 of slippered feet in the hall, and a timid knock 

 at Polly's door. It was quickly opened for Jane 

 and Jessie, and I heard sobbing voices say : 



" Momee, we want to cry on your bed," and, 

 Oh, Mrs. Williams, why can't all days be like 

 this ! " 



Polly's voice was low and indistinct, but I 

 know that it carried strong and loving counsel ; 

 and, as I turned to my pillow, I was still dream- 

 ing the dream of the morning. 



