The shower of golden light which had been raining for the last
two hours had fallen even on him. It would fall all day to-morrow in
many places, and the day after, and for long years to come. Would that
it could broaden and increase to a general deluge, and submerge the
world!
Now the whole house was still, and its master was weary. He sat there,
quietly musing, feeling the sweet and tranquil presence near him. Now
the fire was screened, the lights were out, save one dim glimmer, and
he had lain down on the couch with the letter in his hand, and slept
the dreamless sleep of a child.
He slept until the gray dawn of Christmas day stole into the room, and
showed him the figure of his friend, a shape of glorious light, standing
by his side, and gazing at him with large and tender eyes! He had no
fear. All was deep, serene, and happy with the happiness of heaven.
Looking up into that beautiful, wan face,--so tranquil,--so radiant;
watching, with a childlike awe, the star-fire in those shadowy eyes;
smiling faintly, with a great, unutterable love thrilling slowly
through his frame, in answer to the smile of light that shone upon the
phantom countenance; so he passed a space of time which seemed a calm
eternity, till, at last, the communion of spirit with spirit--of mortal
love with love immortal--was perfected, and the shining hands were laid
on his forehead, as with a touch of air.
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