She found Mary Erskine busily at work, putting the house in order, and rectifying the many derangements which sickness and death always occasion.

Mary Erskine received Mrs.Bell at first with a cheerful smile, and seemed, to all appearance, as contented and happy as usual.

The sight of Mrs.Bell, however, recalled forcibly to her mind her irremediable loss, and overwhelmed her heart, again, with bitter grief.

She went to the window, where her little work-table had been placed, and throwing herself down in a chair before it, she crossed her arms upon the table, laid her forehead down upon them in an attitude of despair, and burst into tears.
Mrs.Bell drew up toward her and stood by her side in silence.

She pitied her with all her heart, but she did not know what to say to comfort her.
Just then little Bella came climbing up the steps, from the stoop, with some flowers in her hand, which she had gathered in the yard.