9& DREAM-LIFE.
The same old man is in his chamber: he cannot leave his chair now. Madge is be side him: Nelly is there too, with her eldest-born. Madge has been reading to the old man : it was a passage of promise of the Bible promise.
"A glorious promise," says the old
man feebly. " A promise to me, a
promise to her poor Madge!"
" Is her picture there, Maggie ? "
Madge brings it to him : he turns his head ; but the light is not strong. They wheel his chair to the window. The sun is shining brightly : still the old man cannot see.
" It is getting dark, Maggie."
Madge looks at Nelly wistfully sadly.
The old man murmurs something; and
Madge stoops : " Coming," he says
"coming ! "
Nelly brings the little child to take his hand. Perhaps it will revive him. She lifts her boy to kiss his cheek.
The old man does not stir : his eyes do not move : they seem fixed above. The child cries as his lips touch the cold cheek :
It is a tender SPRING flower, upon the
bosom of the dying WINTER !
The old man is gone : his dream
fife is ended.
THE END.
