Page:Traits and Trials.pdf/115

Rh and, drawing herself up to her full height, said, with a dignity which might have belonged to the eastern queens of her line:

"Not for the wages of an hired servant have I staid in your house; nor will I take them. I owe nothing to you but the shelter of a roof which was begrudged me; and the bread which was steeped in the tears of bitterness. For the love of those who are no more, I have endured taunts, and cold looks, and harsh words:–do you think that I will be paid for them—do you think you can pay me? Let us, I pray of you, for her sake, part in kindness. Farewell, God bless you." She wrung his hand; and, before he could speak, she had left the room.–Eda never entered the house again. The twins were buried in the family vault. And the skill of the sculptor was taxed for their monument. The marble gave their likeness, as they lay folded in each other's arms, in their last pale sleep. Beautiful they looked—and sad—yet not a sadness without hope.

In the summer's heat, and in the winter's cold,