t her, with the
excertion of Agnes, and all were relieved and delighted at seeing her
enjoy a slumber so sound and refreshing.

The next morning they arose earlier than usual, in order to watch
the mood in which she might awake; and when Agnes, who had been her
bed-fellow, came down stairs, every eye was turned upon her with an
anxiety proportioned to the disastrous consequences that might result
from any unfavorable turn in her state of feeling.

"Agnes," said her father, "how is she?--in what state?--in what frame of
mind?"

"She appears much distressed, papa--feels conscious that Charles is
gone--but as yet has made no allusion to their parting yesterday. Indeed
I do not think she remembers it. She is already up, and begged this
moment of me to leave her to herself for a little."

"'I want strength, Agnes,' said she, 'and I know there is but one source
from which I can obtain it. Advice, consolation, and sympathy, I may and
will receive here; but strength--strength is what I most stand in need
of, and that only can proceed from Him who gives rest to the heavy
laden.'

"'You feel too deeply, Jane,' I replied; 'you should try to be firm.'

"'I do try, Agnes; but tell me, have I not been unwell, very unwell?'

"'Your feelings, dear Jane, overcame you yesterday, as was natural
they should--but now that you are calm, of course you will not yield to
despondency or melancholy. Your dejection, though at present deep, will
soon pass away, and ere many days you will be as cheerful as ever.'

"'I hope so; but Charles is gone, is he not?'

"'But you know it was necessary that he should travel for his health;
besides, have you not formed a plan of correspondence with each other?'

"Then," proceeded Agnes, "she pulled out the locket which contained his
hair, and after looking on it for about a minute, she kissed it, pressed
it to her heart, and whilst in the act of doing so a few tears ran down
her cheeks.

"I am glad of that," observed her mother; "it is a sign that this heavy
grief will not long-abide upon her."

"She then desired me," continued Agnes, "to leave her, and expressed a
sense of her own weakness, and the necessity of spiritual support, as I
have already told you. I am sure the worst is over."

"Blessed be God, I trust it is," said her father; "but whilst I live, I
will never demand from her such a proof of her obedience as that which
I imposed upon her yesterday. She will soon be down to breakfast, an