They were at some game or other in a field near.

Sophia liked to hear them.
Just then Mrs.Rexford came upstairs to consult her about something.

She joined in the outlook for a few moments, and the sunset made her reflective.
"Well, my love," said she, "last year at this time we did not know we should be here to-day! Ah, Sophia, it is always a little doleful to see the Old Year go out; but here, where there are no bells in the churches, it will seem less solemn." END OF BOOK I..