I wonder why . '' `` Sometimes I do n't think it is right to tell funny stories about ministers , '' said Felicity . `` It certainly is n't respectful . '' `` A good story is a good story -- no matter who it 's about , '' said the Story Girl with ungrammatical relish . There was as yet no one in the church when we reached it , so we took our accustomed ramble through the graveyard surrounding it . The Story Girl had brought flowers for her mother 's grave as usual , and while she arranged them on it the rest of us read for the hundredth time the epitaph on Great-Grandfather King 's tombstone , which had been composed by Great-Grandmother King . That epitaph was quite famous among the little family traditions that entwine every household with mingled mirth and sorrow , smiles and tears . It had a perennial fascination for us and we read it over every Sunday . Cut deeply in the upright slab of red Island sandstone , the epitaph ran as follows : -- SWEET DEPARTED SPIRIT Do receive the vows a grateful widow pays , Each future day and night shall hear her speak her Isaac 's praise . Though thy beloved form must in the grave decay Yet from her heart thy memory no time , no change shall steal away . Do thou from mansions of eternal bliss Remember thy distressed relict . Look on her with an angel 's love -- Soothe her sad life and cheer her end Through this world 's dangers and its griefs . Then meet her with thy well-known smiles and welcome At the last great day . `` Well , I ca n't make out what the old lady was driving at , '' said Dan . `` That 's a nice way to speak of your great-grandmother , '' said Felicity severely . `` How does The Family Guide say you ought to speak of your great-grandma , sweet one ? '' asked Dan . `` There is one thing about it that puzzles me , '' remarked Cecily . `` She calls herself a GRATEFUL widow . Now , what was she grateful for ? ''
`` Because she was rid of him XXXXX last , '' said graceless Dan .
Though about at by for in through to while with