Emily sat by her father, holding his hand, and, while she listened to the old man, her heart swelled with the affectionate sympathy he described, and her tears fell to the mournful consideration, that death would probably soon deprive her of the dearest blessing she then possessed.

The soft moon-light of an autumnal evening, and the distant music, which now sounded a plaintive strain, aided the melancholy of her mind.

The old man continued to talk of his family, and St.Aubert remained silent.
'I have only one daughter living,' said La Voisin, 'but she is happily married, and is every thing to me.

When I lost my wife,' he added with a sigh, 'I came to live with Agnes, and her family; she has several children, who are all dancing on the green yonder, as merry as grasshoppers--and long may they be so! I hope to die among them, monsieur.

I am old now, and cannot expect to live long, but there is some comfort in dying surrounded by one's children.' 'My good friend,' said St.Aubert, while his voice trembled, 'I hope you will long live surrounded by them.' 'Ah, sir! at my age I must not expect that!' replied the old man, and he paused: 'I can scarcely wish it,' he resumed, 'for I trust that whenever I die I shall go to heaven, where my poor wife is gone before me.