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have spoken: and it was on this occasion, and while ⟨the⟩ suddenly discipated image of our mother among the flowers was re-forming itself in our young imagination, that the incident to which we have alluded occurred. We can never forget the grateful perfume of those flowers, nor the strength and comfort which the kind words and manner of the giver imparted to our fainting spirit. We took them home, and kept them fresh as long as water wonld preserve thoir life and beauty; and when they faded, and when the leaves fell, pale and withered, upon the ground, we grieved for their loss as if a real friend had been taken away.
"It is a long, long time since that incident occurred; but the flowers which there sprung up in our bosom are fresh and beautiful still. They have neither faded 'nor withered—they cannot, for they are unfading flowers. We never looked upon the man who gave them to us that our heart did not grow warm toward him. Twenty years ⟨ago⟩ we lost sight of him: but if still among the dwellers ⟨of⟩ earth, and in need of a friend, we would divide with him our last morsel."
An old man, with hair whitened by the snows of many winters, was sitting in a room that was poorly supplied with ⟨furniture⟩, his head bowed down, and gaze cast dreamily ⟨upon⟩ the floor. A pale young girl came in while he ⟨thus⟩ ⟨sat⟩ musing. Lifting his eyes to her face he said, while he ⟨tried⟩ to look cheerful,
"Ellen, dear, you must net go out to-day."
"I feel a great deal better, grandpapa," returned the girl, ⟨forcing⟩ a smile. "I am able to go to work again."
"No, child, you are not," said the old man firmly; and ⟨you⟩ must not think of such a thing."
"Don't be so positive, grandpapa." And as she uttered ⟨this⟩ little sentence, in half positive voice, she laid her hand ⟨among⟩ the thin gray locks on the old man’s head, and ⟨soothed⟩ them caressingly. "You know that I must not
