he altar, and flickered on the silent face of
the dead virgin, as she lay an image of heavenly repose. May felt that
it was a type of the brightness which would soon crown her; and while a
flood of warm and joyful rapture flowed into her soul, she exulted in
the thought that she, too, was a member of the household of faith. It
was a profitable time to May; for death was suddenly stripped of its
thrilling horrors; its gaunt outlines were softened and brightened, and
she thought of him as a tireless and faithful guide, who led souls
beyond the dark tide, over the lonely and shadowy ways, and through the
fathomless abyss, to the very portals of eternal rest. She had almost
forgotten the object which brought her out that morning, so absorbed
was she in the contemplation of the scene she had witnessed; until on
rising to leave the church after the divine rites were over, her bundle
fell to her feet. She snatched it up, ashamed of her carelessness,
and, slipping through the crowd, emerged once more into the street.
Picking her way through snow and ice, she came to a neat fancy store,
and went in. Behind the counter stood a neat, pleasant old lady
assorting worsteds, who smiled a welcome the moment she saw who it was
who had entered.

"Ah, my dear Miss May how do you do? come near the stove and sit down.
It is not yet our busy time of day, and we can have a nice chat."

"You will please excuse me now, dear Mrs. Tabb, I have been away much
longer from home than I expected, and must hurry off, as I have another
errand to do. I have brought more of those little zephyr worsted
shirts, four pair of socks, and two or three mats--lamp mats," said
May, unfolding her bundle.

"Bless me, dear child! you are making a fortune. I have sold all that
you left with me two weeks ago; and after deducting my commission, here
is a half eagle for you."

"All sold!" exclaimed May, joyfully.

"Every one, and more ordered. The way was this. Two fine ladies, who
both have infants, came in one day, and both wanted the things; but
both couldn't have them, and neither would purchase a part; so at last
one offered two dollars more than the other, and got them," said Mrs.
Tabb, deliberately taking a pinch of snuff.

"Oh, Mrs. Tabb! dear me, it was more than they were worth."

"Not to _her_, my child. She would have given _ten_ dollars rather
than not get them; and she's so rich she don't know what to do with her
money. So these will just