`` It was not what he did but what he was that made him so beloved . All that was sweet and noble in him still lives ; for goodness is the only thing we can take with us when we die , the only thing that can comfort those we leave behind , and help us to meet again hereafter . '' This feeling was in many hearts when they went away to lay him , with prayer and music , under the budding oak that leaned over his grave , a fit emblem of the young life just beginning its new spring . As the children did their part , the beauty of the summer day soothed their sorrow , and something of the soft brightness of the June sunshine seemed to gild their thoughts , as it gilded the flower-strewn mound they left behind . The true and touching words spoken cheered as well as impressed them , and made them feel that their friend was not lost but gone on into a higher class of the great school whose Master is eternal love and wisdom . So the tears soon dried , and the young faces looked up like flowers after rain . 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 XXXXX went pacing on again with the bright look his eyes always wore when he listened to music or read of some noble action .
Ed Frank Jack Jill Master day emblem handkerchief left something