Page:Life in the Old World - Vol. I.djvu/210

226 whole, to be more grateful. An old man is more forlorn in his loneliness than a woman in the same circumstances.

In the sick-room, which was remarkable for its order and excellent arrangement, I saw an old woman quietly expiring, whilst two little sisters, who reminded me of consoling angels, stood watchfully, the one at her head, the other at her feet.

The preceding day, they had celebrated the hundredth birthday of a good old woman, had decorated her arm-chair with flowers, and carried her with songs, round the garden. She had been honored like a beloved grandmother in a large family. Thus, do the amiable little sisters, “devote themselves to the forsaken old people.” They make them happy, and if possible—good. They have to encounter many disagreeables and difficulties, from the tempers, peculiarities, and bad habits of the old-folks. But they are able to overcome all by patience, piety, and good-humor. For this, youth and Christianity, are needed. The little sisters are possessed of these, and they, as well as the good work itself, are the talismen of their progress. May it go onward into eternity, and whilst it lifts the aged out of the filth of life, may it also prevent many of the young from sinking into it. For in this new, daughterly calling, they are consecrated as servants of the Lord; the greatest calling in the world, under whatever circumstances it may be carried out.

After a week spent at the Hotel Windsor, I removed to the beautiful home of the Duepetiaux's. And when the Congress, the Exhibition, and the