ly sweet
and touching in the homely words and simple tune, sung in low and
suppressed tones, as if they were afraid of disturbing the slumbers of
the dead.

Upon the conclusion of the hymn, the person who acted as master of
the ceremonies went to the door, and, addressing those gathered round,
said that all who desired might now have an opportunity to see
the corpse. Several accepted the invitation, and among others, Mr.
Armstrong.

The coffin was placed upon a table in the centre of the room, with
a part of the lid turned back on hinges, so as to leave the face
exposed. The former friends and acquaintances of the dead man, giving
place and succeeding to one another, came, looked, and passed out
again, moving lightly on tip-toe solemnized and subdued by the awful
mystery of death. As they came in and left the house, they could see
through an open door in an adjoining room the weeping widow in full
mourning, with her little boys on either side, and the relations
seated round in chairs.

All having gazed upon the corpse who wished, preparations now
commenced for screwing down the lid of the coffin. The sobs and sounds
of grief which had proceeded from the room where the mourners were
collected, and which had been, as by an effort, suppressed during the
prayer and hymn, now broke forth afresh.

"O, do not hinder me," poor Mrs. Sill was heard to say; "it's the only
chance I shall have in this world."

"I guess you'd better not," said a voice, trying to dissuade her.
"It's no use; and, then, before all them strangers."

"I will see Josiah," she exclaimed, rising from her seat, and putting
aside the well-meaning hand that strove to detain her. "Who has a
better right to take the last look than me?"

With these words, her crape veil thrown in disorder back upon her
shoulders, her eyes red and swollen with crying, and tears streaming
down her cheeks, she advanced towards the body, all respectfully
making room for her as she approached.

We are not a very demonstrative people. The inhabitants of New England
are taught, from an early age, the lesson of self-control. They do
not wear in their bosoms windows into which any eyes may look. It is
considered unmanly for men to exhibit excessive feeling, and perhaps
the sentiment has an influence even on the softer sex. The conduct of
Mrs. Sill was unusual, and excited surprise; but it is difficult to
stem strong passion and it had its way.

She moved quickly up to the tabl