She knew, too well, that he would not; and she also knew, alas! too well that the man to whose tender mercies they would then be exposed had no bowels of compassion.
Wet with many tears was the pillow upon which the mother's head reposed that night.

She was too weary in body and sorrowful in mind to sleep.
On the next morning a deep snow lay upon the ground.

To some a sight of the earth's pure white covering was pleasant, and they could look upon the flakes still falling gracefully through the air with a feeling of exhilaration.

But they had food and fuel in store--they had warm clothing--they had comfortable homes.

There was no fear of cold and hunger with them--no dread of being sent forth, shelterless, in the chilling winter.