The beauty of that land to which with yearning Her true heart turned in faith and trust each day The land whose hope a glorious bow of promise Illumed her path across life's desert way. A loving wife; a fond, devoted mother; A friend who reckoned friendship not a name; A woman who with, gentle influence brightened The hearts of all who to her presence came. A halo of good deeds her life surrounded; Her crown of years was bright with deeds of love; Hers was a gift of charity whose merits A golden treasure waiteth her above. Out of the wealth the Master gave unto her She clothed the needy and the hungry fed; The poor will mourn a true friend taken from them Above her will the orphan's tear be shed. The orphan's prayer, a prayer of power unbounded. In grateful accents shall for her ascend, And strength and consolation for her children Down from the Savior's pitying heart descend; For over death the Christian's faith doth triumph-- The crown of victory shines above the Cross; Hers is the fadeless joy and ours the sorrow-- Hers is the gain and ours the bitter loss. And while the hearts of kindred ache in sadness, And gloom rests on her once fair home to-day, As a true friend who mourns a loved one taken, This simple wreath upon her grave I lay. Chapter XXIII. The Orphan Children of George and Tamsen Donner Sutter, the Philanthropist "If Mother would Only Come!" Christian and Mary Brunner An Enchanting Home "Can't You Keep Both of Us?" Eliza Donner Crossing the Torrent Earning a Silver Dollar The Gold Excitement Getting an Education Elitha C. Donner, Leanna C. Donner, Frances E. Donner, Georgia A. Donner, Eliza P. Donner. Unusual interest attaches to the three little orphan children mentioned in a preceding chapter. Frances, Georgia, and Eliza Donner reached Sutter's Fort in April, 1847. Here they met their two elder sisters, who, in charge of the first relief party, had arrived at the Fort a few weeks earlier. The three little girls were pitiable-looking objects as they gathered around the blazing fire, answering and asking questions respecting what had taken place since they parted with their sisters at their mountain cabins.