274 THE LEMON-PLANT. 



child of God, loaded wiih innumerable blessings 

 by my heavenly Falher; every wanl supplied, 

 every wish gratified. Bui 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 rejiresented. I re- 

 plied, t had seen some one like il, 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 lofly and 

 spirited mein, the brilliant glow of youthful beauty, 

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

 as represented in the minalnre, with the meek 

 quiel aspect, the faded couiplexion, and the very 

 thin locks of pale yellow, that marked my friend. 

 She sal quite still during the scrutiny, then said, 

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

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

 and, smiling through theiri, she added, while closing 

 the miniature, 'You must not suppose that 1 had 

 no troubles to bring me to the cross.' 



This was tlie only allusion that she ever made 

 to former trials; but the incident sunk deep into 

 iny mind, showing me the Lord'ss mercy to his 

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

 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 



