"Dear papa," he said soothingly, "dear papa, we shall see her again."
The strong arms pressed him, and the awful sobs stilled a little.
"She would be so grieved for you, if she could see—" murmured the little comforter.
His father roused himself. "You are right, dear; and I would not have her see. We will pray, my child."
He bent his head over his little son, but no words would come. Tom lay still, looking first at him, and then upwards; and at last Dr. Arundel spoke.
"I thank Thee, yes, I thank Thee, that Thou hast so tenderly taken my darling to be with Thee; and I say from my heart that I give her up to Thee!"
There was a long, deep silence after this, while the sun gradually rose and peeped in at the window, and stole along the floor till its bright rays touched little Tom's pale face.
"See, papa," he said softly, "the Sun of righteousness has arisen, with healing in His wings."
* * * * * *
Nellie, entering the nursery about an hour after her father had told her the sad news, found all the little ones creeping about on tiptoe, afraid of disturbing the loved mother beneath.