"Mr. John," said Ellen — "don't you think people will know each other again?" "Those that love each other here! — I have no doubt of it." Before either John or Ellen had broken the long musing fit that followed these words, they were joined by Alice. Her head was better; and taking her place in the window-seat, the talk began again, between the brother and sister now; Ellen too happy to sit with them and listen. They talked of that land again, of the happy company preparing for it; of their dead mother, but not much of her; of the glory of their King, and the joy of his service even here — till thoughts grew too strong for words, and silence again stole upon the group. The short winter-day came to an end; the sunlight faded away into moonlight. No shadows lay now on the lawn; and from where she sat Ellen could see the great hemlock all silvered with the moonlight, which began to steal in at the window. It was very, very beautiful — yet she could think now without sorrow that all this should come to an end; because of that new heaven and new earth wherein righteousness should dwell. "We have eaten up all your grapes, Ellie," said Alice — "or rather _I_ have, for John didn't help me much. I think I never ate so sweet grapes in my life; John said the reason was because every one tasted of you." "I am very glad," said Ellen, laughing. "There is no evil without some good," Alice went on. "Except for my headache, John would not have held my head by the hour as he did; and you couldn't have given me the pleasure you did, Ellie. Oh, Jack! — there has been many a day lately when I would gladly have had a headache for the power of laying my head on your shoulder!" "And if Mamma had not gone away, I should never have known you," said Ellen. "I wish she never _had_ gone, but I am very, very glad for this!" She had kneeled upon the window-seat and clasped Alice round the neck, just as they were called to tea. The conversation had banished every disagreeable feeling from Ellen's mind. She met her companions in the drawing-room, almost forgetting that she had any cause of complaint against them. And this appeared when in the course of the evening it came in her way to perform some little office of politeness for Marianne. It was done with the gracefulness that could only come from a spirit entirely free from ungrateful feelings. The children felt it, and for the time were shamed into better behaviour. The evening passed pleasantly, and Ellen went to bed very happy. CHAPTER XXXI. Flowers and Thorns.