They say
worries stand out clearest then, but with me it's the other way. My
troubles just vanish and every living, breathing pleasantness comes to
the fore. Now, you, for example, Levi. I was praising God about you
as you knocked. You're a changed man, brother. You were always a good
man, but to be flat-footed I must say that there was a time when
conversation with you was like jogging along over a stony road. One
got so many bumps that it didn't seem worth while. I used to get
terrible lonely at times, for I wouldn't take pleasures and leave you
out--it always has seemed to me that you never got the _right_ change
for what you spent, and I wanted to do my share in keeping you company
if you ever felt the lack. And then that poor little fellow came
tumbling into our lives same as if God had sent him rolling down the
mountain to our door. If ever there was a blessing in disguise, it was
Sandy! I tell you he's a pretty comforting creature to hold to when
you lie awake nights. A minute ago I was saying over and over--"thank
God for Sandy!" He gets closer to you than you think, Levi--it's his
way and he's the strongest, gratefullest fellow. Every time I look at
him lately I think of the saying--strength of the hills."

And now Levi sought and found the thin, blue-veined hands folded
peacefully upon the white coverlid.

"Sandy found the starved mother and father in us, Matilda. His need
met ours, and God blessed us all."

"That's a true word, brother. You and I were real pinched in our aims
and longings in the offset. Do you remember how you always wanted
learning and college, and how I actually was besotted about traipsing
around the world? Such dreams as we managed to make up! I have the
old geography now with pin points all up the side of the Alps where you
and I counted the height and then said we didn't believe it! Well,
you've found success without college, and I've found peace without
travel."

Levi patted the cool, old hands tenderly. Sandy's story had somehow
made Matilda very precious.

"But lands, Levi! We are all old children and go on with our foolish
dreams till we're tucked in at last for good and all. Maybe I ought to
be ashamed to own to this, but I lie here nights and actually make
believe I'm Sandy's mother. Mother's an awful comforting word to women
as well as children."

"Well, Matilda, I'll own up to the same side play." Levi laughed
softly; "the night he graduated I clo