But the heaven-sent shower sank into the earth , and they were the stronger , sweeter for it , more eager to make life brave and beautiful , because death had gently shown them what it should be . When the boys came home they found their mother already returned , and Jill upon the parlor sofa listening to her account of the funeral with the same quiet , hopeful look which their own faces wore ; for somehow the sadness seemed to have gone , and a sort of Sunday peace remained . `` I 'm glad it was all so sweet and pleasant . Come and rest , you look so tired ; '' and Jill held out her hands to greet them -- a crumpled handkerchief in one and a little bunch of fading lilies in the other . Jack sat down in the low chair beside her and leaned his head against the arm of the sofa , for he was tired . But Frank walked slowly up and down the long rooms with a serious yet serene look on his face , for he felt as if he had learned something that day , and would always be the better for it . Presently he said , stopping before his mother , who leaned in the easy-chair looking up at the picture of her boys ' father , -- `` I should like to have just such things said about me when I die . '' `` So should I , if I deserved them as Ed did ! '' cried Jack , earnestly . `` You may if you try . I should be proud to hear them , and if they were true , they would comfort me more than anything else . I am glad you see the lovely side of sorrow , and are learning the lesson such losses teach us , '' answered their mother , who believed in teaching young people to face trouble bravely , and find the silver lining in the clouds that come to all of us . `` I never thought much about it before , but now dying does n't seem dreadful at all -- only solemn and beautiful . Somehow everybody seems to love everybody else more for it , and try to be kind and good and pious . I ca n't say what I mean , but you know , mother ; '' and Frank went pacing on again with the bright look his eyes always wore when he listened to music or read of some noble action . `` That 's what Merry said when she and Molly came in on their way home . But Molly felt dreadfully , and so did Mabel . She brought me these flowers to press , for we are all going to keep some to remember dear Ed by , '' said Jill , carefully smoothing out the little bells as she laid the lilies in her hymn-book , for she too had had a thoughtful hour while she lay alone , imagining all that went on in the church , and shedding a few tender tears over the friend who was always so kind to her . `` I do n't want anything to remember him by . I was so fond of him , I could n't forget if I tried .
I know I ought not to say it , but I do n't see why God let him die , '' said XXXXX , with a quiver in his voice , for his loving heart could not help aching still .
Ed Frank Jack Jill Mabel Merry Molly day hour hymn-book