The fresh spring days were now coming—­Madame Hendrickson went to an eternal spring.  But the heart of the loving Anna rose above the earthly sorrow of separation, as if upheld by her husband’s strong faith; her imagination delighted itself in following the beloved mother into her new and beautiful state of being.

Gotleib felt that now it was good for him to return to the home of his childhood, for it was more delightful to live apart from the strife and toil of men.  In the simple country life much good might be done, and yet there would be less of life’s sorrow to look upon.  It was weary to live in a crowded haunt, where a perception of vice and misery so mingled itself with the blessedness of his heart’s love.  Anna was charmed and delighted with the pure country life, and as business increased on the Herr Doctor’s hands, it was so great a happiness to her to minister to his comfort.  After the long winter rides, how she chafed his cold hands and warmed his frozen feet, and how lovingly she helped him to the warm suppers of the good Bettina, no homeless and desolate wanderer of earth can know.  But to Gotleib, what an inexpressible blessedness was all this; and how often he left off to eat, that he might clasp Anna to his heart and cover her with kisses!  Thus went the blessed married life until another spring brought with it the sweet “dream-child,” as Anna called the little one, whom the angel said, was “the fruit of the union of good and truth.”

The little Lina thus born into the very sphere of love, seemed ever a living joy.  The father’s wisdom guided the mother’s tender love, and the little one was good and unselfish—­and so gay in the infantile innocence and grace of her being, that oftentimes the young mother, leaning on the father’s bosom, would whisper,

“Gotleib, she is indeed an angel of God.”

One dark and wintry day, as the child thus sported in the inner glad light and joy of her heart, and Gotleib and Anna as usual were watching the light of her radiance, a beautiful White Dove flew fluttering against the friendly window.  The child grew still in her wondrous joy.  But the father quickly opened the window, and the half-frozen bird flew in, and nestled itself in Anna’s bosom.  It was fed and warmed and loved as bird never was before.  For the little one thought it was the spirit of God come down upon the house, and Gotleib loved it because to him it was a living symbol of the peace and purity of his married life, and Anna received it as a heavenly gift for the loving child.  Thus both literally and spiritually the White Dove of innocence and peace dwelt in their midst.

HESTER.

  WHILE Hester lived, the day was bright
  With something more than common light—­
  ’Twas the moon’s difference to the night.

  As summer sun and summer shower
  Revive the tree, the herb, and flower,
  Hers was the gift of warmth and power.