FRIDAY—THE FIFTH DAY.
We must pass hastily over the events of the next day in Robert Hardy's life. The whole town was talking about his surprising address of the night before. Some thought he was crazy. Others regarded him as sincere, but after the first effect of his speech had worn off, they criticised him severely for presuming to "preach" on such an occasion. Still others were puzzled to account for the change in the man, for that a change had taken place could not be denied. How slow men are to acknowledge the power of God in the human heart! Mr. Hardy went about his business, very little moved by all this discussion. He realised that only two days more remained.
He spent the afternoon and evening at home, but was interrupted by several calls. After tea the entire family gathered in the room where Clara lay. She was living, but was still unconscious. As Mrs. Hardy was saying something to her husband about his dream and the events of the day before, Clara suddenly opened her eyes, and distinctly called out the words:
"Father! what day is it?"
It was like a voice out of the long-dead past. Mr. Hardy, sitting by the side of the bed, replied quietly, while his heart beat quickly:
"This is Friday night, dear child."
Another question came, uttered in the same strange voice:
"Father, how many more days are left for you?"
"To-morrow and Sunday."
The voice came again:
"I shall go with you then."
The eyes closed and the form became motionless as before.
It was very quiet in the room at the close of Robert Hardy's fifth day.