The nurse touched his arm, and directed his attention to Mrs. Chaytor, saying softly, "I would not let her know of your father's death."
"Newman, Newman, my dear boy," murmured the dying woman, "put your lips to mine; come closer to me, closer, closer. My last thoughts, my last prayers are for you. Has your father spoken to you?"
"Yes."
"And has he given you what he promised?"
"Yes."
"Then all is well. We shall trouble you no more, my darling. A life of happiness is before you. Think of us sometimes; and if your father does not get well, lay us in the same grave."
"It shall be done."
"I shall wait for you in heaven. How happy I am--how happy, how happy! I am not sorry to go now I have found you. I have prayed to die like this. God has been very good to me. He has answered my prayer. Kiss me, dear. God bless and guard you!"
She said no more; before the next hour struck her spirit was in another world.
"Remain with them," Basil said to the nurse, "and let everything be done that is proper and necessary."