"Be good to my dear child," she said to Carew.
There was no one else but these two in the chamber, and it was at her request that they were alone.
"My heart, my life, are devoted to her," said Carew. "So may I be dealt by as I deal by her!"
"She loves you as women do not always love," said the mother. "You have by your side one who will sweeten and purify your days. No thought but what is tender and sweet has ever crossed her mind. She is the emblem of innocence. In giving her to you I believed I was doing what was right. Do not question me--my moments are numbered. I have been much shaken by the fate of Eric and Emilius. You believe Emilius to be guilty. Be more merciful in your judgments. With my dying breath I declare my belief in his innocence. It would be disloyal to one I loved as my son if I did not say this to you."
"But why," asked Carew gently, "especially to me?"
"I would say it to all," she replied, "and I would have all believe as I believe. His poor wife--his poor wife! Ah, how I pity her! Help her, if you can. Promise me."
"I will do so," said Carew, "if it is in my power, and if she will receive help from me."
"Lauretta and you are one," said the dying woman; "if not from you, she will receive it from my daughter. Before you leave me, answer one question, as you would answer before God. Have you anything hidden in your heart for which you have cause to reproach yourself?"
"Nothing," he replied, wondering that such a question should be put to him at such a moment.
"Absolutely nothing?"