The six sisters of the valleys : an historical romance - University Library

THE TWINS. 87
been common to us all ; our family has not
been separated by feuds, nor jealousies ; so
let us bless God that we have given proof
of what his Holy Word can effect."
"Ah! There's dear Etienne," con-
tinued Madeleine, absorbed in her reflec-
tions ;
" the little fellow is telling us about
his goats, and now he's putting up his
bright face to be kissed. There he is, run-
ning off with your Susanne in his arms.
Marguerite, is this a dream? Where are
we now ? Oh, I see this black prison ! Is
not your heart broken ?"
" It would be, sister, were it not for
One who has promised to heal the broken in
heart and bind up their wounds. Forgive
me, my beloved, but you are hardly right
in dwelling thus painfully on the past. It
makes your present sorrow harder to bear."
"You can take these trials better than
I can. You always were superior to me in
strength of mind. But let me thank God that
you, my dearest, best friend, are not sepa-