The gates ajar. By Elizabeth Stuart Phelps.

194 The Gates Ajar.
her answers. The fact is, not that we do not
talk as much about mundane affairs as other
people, but that this one thing interests us
more.
If, instead, it had been flounces, or babies,
or German philosophy, the green book would
have filled itself just as unconsciously with
flounces, or babies, or German philosophy.
This interest in heaven is of course no sign of
especial piety in me, nor could people with
young, warm, uncrushed hopes throbbing
through their days be expected to feel the
same. It is only the old principle of, where
the treasure is - the heart.
"How spiritual-minded Mary has grown!"
Mrs. Bland observes, regarding me respectfully. I try in vain to laugh her out of the
conviction. If Roy had not gone before, I
should think no more, probably, about the
coming life, than does the minister's wife herself.
But now -I cannot help it that is the
reality, this the dream; that the substance,
this the shadow.
The other day Aunt Winifred and I had a
talk which has been of more value to me than
all the rest.