This brought back a tide of memories, and he began contrasting that journey with the present.

Opposite was the seat on which his parents had sat, in the bloom of health, and elate with; joyous anticipations; he remembered--oh! so well--his father's pleasant smile, his mother's soft and gentle voice.

Both now were gone.

Death had made rigid that smiling face--her soft voice was hushed for ever--and the cold snow was resting on their bosoms in the little churchyard miles away.
Truly the contrast between now and then was extremely saddening, and the child bowed his head upon the seat, and sobbed in bitter grief.
"What is the matter ?" asked Mr.Balch; "not crying again, I hope.

I thought you were going to be a man, and that we were not to have any more tears.