For this reason, some of them stole sly glances, from time to time,
at his face, wishing not to be observed, as if they expected to read
therein his purposes. But Armstrong, his eyes fastened on the ground,
and absorbed in his own reflections, was unconscious of the attention
he attracted. So lost was he, indeed, in his own thoughts, as not to
observe many of the nods and greetings directed to him.

Presently low tones, as of one speaking, were heard issuing from the
house, and those standing outside gathered round the open door, to
listen to the prayer of the minister. It seems to be taken for granted
that on such occasions the prayer must occupy some considerable time,
whether because a short one would be irreverent to the Being to whom
it is addressed, or disrespectful to the sorrowing friends, or because
the mind cannot sooner be impressed with due solemnity. Hence it
follows that as these prayers are extempore, and the abilities and
taste of those who offer them of different degrees, they are of
various shades of merit. Seldom is one made in which the canons of
good taste are not violated, and some are not compelled to smile who
ought to weep. The reverend gentleman who conducted the services,
was not insensible to what was expected from him, and determined
"to improve" the mournful event to the benefit of the living. After
alluding to the gratitude his hearers ought to feel at not being thus
hurried, like poor Sill, without time for preparation, before the bar
of Judgment, who, however, he hoped, was prepared, and in order
to heighten the feeling of thankfulness, contrasting the light and
liberty of life with the darkness of the grave (as if the spirit were
confined there), he ran through the usual common places, speaking
with an assured conviction, as if the country beyond the grave were
as familiar to him as the streets of the town. With a tedious
particularity he then entreated the divine blessing upon the members