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 Jack , with a quiver in his voice , for his loving heart could not help aching still . `` No , dear , we can not see or know many things that grieve us very much , but we can trust that it is right , and try to believe that all is meant for our good . That is what faith means , and without it we are miserable . When you were little , you were afraid of the dark , but if I spoke or touched you , then you were sure all was well , and fell asleep holding my hand . God is wiser and stronger than any father or mother , so hold fast to Him , and you will have no doubt or fear , however dark it seems . '' `` As you do , '' said Jack , going to sit on the arm of Mamma 's chair , with his cheek to hers , willing to trust as she bade him , but glad to hold fast the living hand that had led and comforted him all his life . `` Ed used to say to me when I fretted about getting well , and thought nobody cared for me , which was very naughty , ` Do n't be troubled , God wo n't forget you ; and if you must be lame , He will make you able to bear it , ' '' said Jill , softly , her quick little mind all alive with new thoughts and feelings . `` He believed it , and that 's why he liked that hymn so much .
I 'm glad they sung it to-day , '' said XXXXX , bringing his heavy dictionary to lay on the book where the flowers were pressing .
Ed Frank Jack Jill Mabel Merry hour hymn-book quiver right