As the last sunbeam left the heavy bars that rusted across the window, she lifted her eyes and waited, with one hand—alas! snow-white from confinement—resting upon the open page. A footstep near the door, and the jingle of keys, had disturbed her. She looked earnestly toward the noise until the door opened. Then the expression of her face grew animated. She laid the Bible down upon her bed, and moved forward with both hands extended.
"You have come; ah, I knew it; when did you break a promise."
The old man who entered took her hand softly between his two hard palms, and glancing at the open Bible, said:
"You were well employed, child; I can bring you no better company than that."
Katharine looked back upon the Bible, smiling faintly, the only way she ever smiled in those days.
"Yes, I know," she said; "but you look pale, have you brought news for me?"
"Yes, dear," said old Mrs. Thrasher, coming forward and kissing the prisoner, "he brings news, but keep a good heart. God is above all."
Katharine bent her head an instant and stood before them in silence, then she looked gravely up and said:
"Is it to-morrow."
"Yes, Katharine, it is to-morrow; are you ready?" answered the old man.