noon
And now , the hand that traces these words , falters , as it approaches the conclusion of its task ; and would weave , for a little longer space , the thread of these adventures . I would fain linger yet with a few of those among whom I have so long moved , and share their happiness by endeavouring to depict it . I would show Rose Maylie in all the bloom and grace of early womanhood , shedding on her secluded path in life soft and gentle light , that fell on all who trod it with her , and shone into their hearts . I would paint her the life and joy of the fire-side circle and the lively summer group ; I would follow her through the sultry fields at noon , and hear the low tones of her sweet voice in the moonlit evening walk ; I would watch her in all her goodness and charity abroad , and the smiling untiring discharge of domestic duties at home ; I would paint her and her dead sister 's child happy in their love for one another , and passing whole hours together in picturing the friends whom they had so sadly lost ; I would summon before me , once again , those joyous little faces that clustered round her knee , and listen to their merry prattle ; I would recall the tones of that clear laugh , and conjure up the sympathising tear that glistened in the soft blue eye . These , and a thousand looks and smiles , and turns of thought and speech -- I would fain recall them every one . How Mr. Brownlow went on , from day to day , filling the mind of his adopted child with stores of knowledge , and becoming attached to him , more and more , as his nature developed itself , and showed the thriving seeds of all he wished him to become -- how he traced in him new traits of his early friend , that awakened in his own bosom old remembrances , melancholy and yet sweet and soothing -- how the two orphans , tried by adversity , remembered its lessons in mercy to others , and mutual love , and fervent thanks to Him who had protected and preserved them -- these are all matters which need not to be told . I have said that they were truly happy ; and without strong affection and humanity of heart , and gratitude to that Being whose code is Mercy , and whose great attribute is Benevolence to all things that breathe , happiness can never be attained .