Page:The Improvisatrice.pdf/210

198 And tender and serene—a quiet light, Which suited well the melancholy joy Of 's heart. As every step the light Played o'er some old remembrance; now the ray Dimpled the crystal river; now the church Had all its windows glittering from beneath The curtaining ivy. Near and more near he drew— His heart beat quick, for the next step will be Upon his father's threshold! But he paused— He heard a sweet and sacred sound—they joined In the accustomed psalm, and then they said The words of, and, last of all, a prayer More solemn and more touching. He could hear Low sobs as it was uttered. They did pray His safety, his return, his happiness; And ere they ended he was in their arms!