She smiled with a grave sort of smile, and then sat silent.
“I like your way of talking,” said I. There was something about the lady that put me at ease with her, and I said this without reserve, as if I were speaking to a friend. “It looks to higher things in life than people usually regard as worthy of our chief consideration. To most of us, the outer world offers the highest attractions; only the few turn inwardly to the more beautiful world of mind.”
“Outward things fade--change--die; only spiritual things dwell in unfading beauty. We are in a world of mere effects as to our bodies; but the soul lives in the world of causes. Do we not spend a vain and unprofitable life, then, if we go on building, day after day, our tabernacle on the ever-shifting sands of time, instead of upon the immovable Rock of Ages? But who is guiltless of this folly? Not I! not I!”
Again that calm, earnest voice fell to a lower key, and was veiled by a tender sadness.
“It is something gained,” she added, with returning firmness of tone, “if, even after the sharp lessons of many years, we get glimpses of Truth, and are willing to follow, though it be at a far distance, the light she holds aloft. Yes, it is something gained--something gained!”
She spoke the last words as if merely thinking aloud, and not addressing an auditor.
“Can I aid you in anything, madam?” said I, breaking in upon a state of reverie into which her mind seemed to be falling. “The circumstances under which you find yourself are peculiar--I refer to the death of Mrs. Allen, following so quickly on your arrival among strangers--and you may stand in need of friendly service from one who knows the people and their ways. If so, do not hesitate to command me.”
“I thank you sincerely,” she answered, unbending still more from her almost stately manner. “Friendly consideration I shall need, of course--as who does not in this world? And I repeat my thanks, that you have so kindly and so promptly anticipated my needs So far as the remains of my unhappy kinswoman are concerned, I have referred all to the undertaker. He will carry out my wishes. To-morrow the interment will take place. On the day following, if it it is altogether agreeable to yourself, I would esteem a call as a particular favor.”