I could pass away and be at rest.

I could lie me down and sleep sweetly in the grave.

But, is all my work done?
Can I leave these little ones to his tender mer--" She checked herself in the mental utterance of this sentiment, which referred to her husband.

But, the feeling was in her heart; and it inspired her with a new purpose.

Her thought, turned from herself, and fixed, with a yearning love upon her children, gave to the blood a quicker motion through the veins, and to her mind a new activity.
She could no longer remain passive, as she had been for hours, brooding over her own unhappy state, but arose and left her chamber.
In another room she found her unhappy child, who had gone off to brood alone over her disappointment, and to weep where none could see her.
"Madeline, dear!" said the mother, in a loving, sympathetic voice.
Instantly the child flung herself into her arms, and laid her face, sobbing, upon her bosom.
Gently, yet wisely--for there came, in that moment, to Mrs.Leslie, a clear perception of all her duty--did the mother seek to soften Madeline's disappointment, and to inspire her with fortitude to bear.