Page:Traits and Trials.pdf/28

22 "Let us go there;" exclaimed Ellen. "When nurse goes down to dinner—we can walk so quietly."

The time soon came, and the twins stole out together. Ellen, who was the most timid of the two, hesitated a little as they opened the door of the darkened apartment, but Julia whispering, "Mamma won't be angry," encouraged her, and they entered the room together.

"Where is Mamma?" asked Ellen, looking first eagerly at the bed, and then more anxiously toward the chairs.

"I heard them say that she was here," exclaimed Julia, whose eyes were fast filling with tears: at that moment the coffin rivetted the attention of both. Each approached it, and each at the same moment recognised their mother "Why does she sleep in that strange box?" asked Ellen, in a frightened whisper.

"We must take care not to wake her," answered Julia, in a still lower tone. Both remained watching her, still and silent, for a considerable time.