And Joscelyn , standing by Aunty Nan 's bed , in the sunset light , sang the song she had sung to many a brilliant audience on many a noted concert-platform -- sang it as even she had never sung before , while Aunty Nan lay and listened beatifically , and downstairs even Mrs. William held her breath , entranced by the exquisite melody that floated through the old farmhouse . `` O , little Joscelyn ! '' breathed Aunty Nan in rapture , when the song ended . Joscelyn knelt by her again and they had a long talk of old days . One by one they recalled the memories of that vanished summer . The past gave up its tears and its laughter . Heart and fancy alike went roaming through the ways of the long ago . Aunty Nan was perfectly happy . And then Joscelyn told her all the story of her struggles and triumphs since they had parted . When the moonlight began to creep in through the low window , Aunty Nan put out her hand and touched Joscelyn 's bowed head . `` Little Joscelyn , '' she whispered , `` if it ai n't asking too much , I want you to sing just one other piece . Do you remember when you were here how we sung hymns in the parlour every Sunday night , and my favourite always was ` The Sands of Time are Sinking ? ' I ai n't never forgot how you used to sing that , and I want to hear it just once again , dearie . Sing it for me , little Joscelyn . '' Joscelyn rose and went to the window . Lifting back the curtain , she stood in the splendour of the moonlight , and sang the grand old hymn . At first Aunty Nan beat time to it feebly on the counterpane ; but when Joscelyn came to the verse , `` With mercy and with judgment , '' she folded her hands over her breast and smiled . When the hymn ended , Joscelyn came over to the bed . `` I am afraid I must say good-bye now , Aunty Nan , '' she said . Then she saw that Aunty Nan had fallen asleep .
She would not waken her , but she took from her breast the cluster XXXXX crimson roses she wore and slipped them gently between the toil-worn fingers .
by for if in of on since through to while