seated round in chairs.

All having gazed upon the corpse who wished, preparations now
commenced for screwing down the lid of the coffin. The sobs and sounds
of grief which had proceeded from the room where the mourners were
collected, and which had been, as by an effort, suppressed during the
prayer and hymn, now broke forth afresh.

"O, do not hinder me," poor Mrs. Sill was heard to say; "it's the only
chance I shall have in this world."

"I guess you'd better not," said a voice, trying to dissuade her.
"It's no use; and, then, before all them strangers."

"I will see Josiah," she exclaimed, rising from her seat, and putting
aside the well-meaning hand that strove to detain her. "Who has a
better right to take the last look than me?"

With these words, her crape veil thrown in disorder back upon her
shoulders, her eyes red and swollen with crying, and tears streaming
down her cheeks, she advanced towards the body, all respectfully
making room for her as she approached.

We are not a very demonstrative people. The inhabitants of New England
are taught, from an early age, the lesson of self-control. They do
not wear in their bosoms windows into which any eyes may look. It is
considered unmanly for men to exhibit excessive feeling, and perhaps
the sentiment has an influence even on the softer sex. The conduct of
Mrs. Sill was unusual, and excited surprise; but it is difficult to
stem strong passion and it had its way.