"Because a dying woman asks you; but do it from your own kind impulse as well. That is what I wish. You know who it is that is sitting by us now."
"Yes," he answered with a troubled glance at Minnie.
"She has been very good to me, very kind, very, very patient. And she is so young! Soon you and she may follow me. Think of that."
"What is it you would have me to do?"
"I would have you be kind to this poor child; I would have you, at this awful time, show to her the love that a brother might show to a sister. She has committed a fault; forgive her for it; let her atone for it. Be not you the one to cast the stone at her. And when you speak to her, speak from your heart; for she can read and understand, as all loving women can, the music of the voice."
"Minnie," said Joshua, turning to her. Mrs. Pigeon had loosed his hand; and now be held out his two hands to Minnie. It was the first time he had called her by her name.
"Joshua," she said, with deep sobs, her hands in his, and bowing her head upon his shoulder until her lips almost touched his face.
Was it treasonable to Ellen that he should permit it? Surely not, surely not, at such a time.
"You have made me glad," said Mrs. Pigeon. "Now go. Good-by. Heaven send you peace!"
"And you!" they both said.