"No; oh, no! But, Christina, it is too dreadful; I could not believe it could be so."
Christina could only whisper that she had passed through the same anguish herself, and knew how it felt; and then she reminded her, too, of Him who sorrowed and wept with bereaved ones, and of what a tender heart He had.
"And think, dear Ada, of her joy now. Think of her redeemed spirit among the multitude whom no man can number. No more pain or anxiety or weariness, but with her Lord, rejoicing in serving Him with perfect service for ever."
Ada listened at last, till the soft voice and the comforting words soothed her, and ere long the eyes which had been raised, trying to follow Christina's thoughts right into heaven, gradually closed, and sleep ended to her that mournful day which had found her motherless.
Then Christina drew some bed-clothes over her, and putting her head in a more comfortable position left her, glad that for a time she would have some relief from her sorrow.
On the next landing she paused, and was just entering the chamber of death when Nellie joined her.
They went in, and stood hand-in-hand by the bed.
Nellie uncovered the sweet, peaceful face.
"She looks just the same," said Christina, very low.
"Yes, only so still. She was always doing something for others before," whispered Nellie in return.