But it had the wonderful beauty which we may often observe in those who have recently gone through a great struggle, and won the peace that lies just on the other side.

We see it in a new mother's face; we see it in the faces of the dead; and in Hilda's countenance--which had always a rare natural charm for her friends--this glory of peace made her as lovely as an angel.
On her part, Hilda beheld a venerable figure with hair as white as snow, and a face strikingly characterized by benevolence.

It bore marks of thought, however, and penetrative insight; although the keen glances of the eyes were now somewhat bedimmed with tears, which the aged shed, or almost shed, on lighter stress of emotion than would elicit them from younger men.
"It has not escaped my observation, daughter," said the priest, "that this is your first acquaintance with the confessional.

How is this ?" "Father," replied Hilda, raising her eyes, and again letting them fall, "I am of New Eng land birth, and was bred as what you call a heretic." "From New England!" exclaimed the priest.

"It was my own birthplace, likewise; nor have fifty years of absence made me cease to love it.