"We'll teach him about Jesus first of all, Jem," she murmured; and as Jem assented, she slept.
But the little one was to be taken into the Shepherd's care at once. Meg was never to have her desire of herself teaching him the name she loved beyond all others.
Mrs. Seymour stood by and watched, unwilling to break the slumber which was like life to Meg, and knowing that nothing could be done for the babe better than lying in its mother's bosom.
And Jem sat watching too, realizing in a dim sort of way that he was indeed a father.
By-and-by his mother touched him on the shoulder.
"Jem," she whispered, cautioning him by a warning glance, "God is taking the little one to Himself; but I think Meg will do well if we can but keep her quiet."
Jem gave one look at her to take in the meaning of her words, and then he sat still, trying to realize and submit to what his God was sending.
When, after two long hours of watching on their part, and deep refreshing sleep on Meg's, she again opened her eyes and turned to her babe, the little spirit had already taken flight to the land where "their angels do alway behold the face of the Father which is in heaven."
"Meg, my girl," said Jem's voice, oh, so tenderly, "you'd be willin' to give him up into our Saviour's care if He was to ask it?"
"I think I would," she answered in a wondering tone, but looking up quite collectedly.