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And now must the body return to earth— The spirit to God, who gave it.".

last—and how long, yet so short, did the time appear!—the day arrived that had been fixed for Guido's funeral. Francesca had resolved that she would follow him to the grave. It is a strange refinement in our modern times, that we should leave it to the hired mourner (mourner! what a mockery!) to pay that last tender office, the last sign of care for their remains that can be given on earth, to those whom we have loved—dear, ay, dearer than ourselves. Few but have known the wretchedness of such a morning—but have listened to the noise of strangers in a chamber so long silent as the grave. The moving of the coffin, the carrying it downstairs, the heavy steps, the creaking stairs, the opening doors, are a terrible contrast to the deep stillness that had before reigned throughout the house.

Francesca listened in agony. She seemed as if she had never felt her utter separation from