There was an unconscious reproach in the words , Frank thought ; for he was not as gentle as Ed , and he did not wonder that Jack loved and mourned for the lost friend like a brother . `` You 've got me . I 'll be good to you ; cry if you want to , I do n't mind . '' There was such a sympathetic choke in Frank 's voice that Jack felt comforted at once , and when he had had his cry out , which was very soon , he let Frank pull him up with a bear-like but affectionate hug , and sat leaning on him as they talked about their loss , both feeling that there might have been a greater one , and resolving to love one another very much hereafter . Mrs. Minot often called Frank the `` father-boy , '' because he was now the head of the house , and a sober , reliable fellow for his years . Usually he did not show much affection except to her , for , as he once said , `` I shall never be too old to kiss my mother , '' and she often wished that he had a little sister , to bring out the softer side of his character . He domineered over Jack and laughed at his affectionate little ways , but now when trouble came , he was as kind and patient as a girl ; and when Mamma came in , having heard the news , she found her `` father-boy '' comforting his brother so well that she slipped away without a word , leaving them to learn one of the sweet lessons sorrow teaches -- to lean on one another , and let each trial bring them closer together . It is often said that there should be no death or grief in children 's stories . It is not wise to dwell on the dark and sad side of these things ; but they have also a bright and lovely side , and since even the youngest , dearest , and most guarded child can not escape some knowledge of the great mystery , is it not well to teach them in simple , cheerful ways that affection sweetens sorrow , and a lovely life can make death beautiful ? I think so , therefore try to tell the last scene in the history of a boy who really lived and really left behind him a memory so precious that it will not be soon forgotten by those who knew and loved him . For the influence of this short life was felt by many , and even this brief record of it may do for other children what the reality did for those who still lay flowers on his grave , and try to be `` as good as Eddy . '' Few would have thought that the death of a quiet lad of seventeen would have been so widely felt , so sincerely mourned ; but virtue , like sunshine , works its own sweet miracles , and when it was known that never again would the bright face be seen in the village streets , the cheery voice heard , the loving heart felt in any of the little acts which so endeared Ed Devlin to those about him , it seemed as if young and old grieved alike for so much promise cut off in its spring-time . This was proved at the funeral , for , though it took place at the busy hour of a busy day , men left their affairs , women their households , young people their studies and their play , and gave an hour to show their affection , respect , and sympathy for those who had lost so much . The girls had trimmed the church with all the sweetest flowers they could find , and garlands of lilies of the valley robbed the casket of its mournful look . The boys had brought fresh boughs to make the grave a green bed for their comrade 's last sleep . Now they were all gathered together , and it was a touching sight to see the rows of young faces sobered and saddened by their first look at sorrow . The girls sobbed , and the boys set their lips tightly as their glances fell upon the lilies under which the familiar face lay full of solemn peace . Tears dimmed older eyes when the hymn the dead boy loved was sung , and the pastor told with how much pride and pleasure he had watched the gracious growth of this young parishioner since he first met the lad of twelve and was attracted by the shining face , the pleasant manners . Dutiful and loving ; ready to help ; patient to bear and forbear ; eager to excel ; faithful to the smallest task , yet full of high ambitions ; and , better still , possessing the childlike piety that can trust and believe , wait and hope . Good and happy -- the two things we all long for and so few of us truly are .
This he was , and this single fact was the best eulogy his pastor could pronounce over the beloved youth gone to a nobler manhood whose promise XXXXX so sweet a memory behind .
Ed Frank Mamma Minot day father-boy forbear garlands left parishioner