A solemn serenity appeared to surround the whole place; it was only interrupted by the breezes passing through the large elm-trees, which stood near the house, and which my imagination indulged itself in thinking were plaintive sighs of sorrow.

I gently opened the door; no one appeared; and all was yet silent.

The soldier followed; we came to the foot of the stairs.
"They are come," said a voice, which I knew to be the father's "they are come." He appeared at the top.

I gave him my hand, and said nothing.

On entering the room above, I saw the aged mother and her son supporting the much-loved sister: the son's wife sat weeping in a window-seat, with a child on her lap; two or three persons attended in the room to discharge any office which friendship or necessity might require.
I sat down by the bed-side.