"As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you;"
"When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up."
Over and over again the words seemed repeated to her distracted heart; and after a time her faith began to take hold of them.
"I know it, Lord," she whispered; "why did I forget? Thou art my portion! Thou dost comfort me!"
She rose now, and not daring to glance again at the bed, she went back into the chamber where she had slept.
She washed her face and smoothed her hair, put her dress to rights that she might look somewhat as usual, as if with a feeling of loyalty towards Him who was taking her in His keeping; and then she descended to the dining room and rang the bell. The maid answered it quickly.
"It is early," said Christina; "but I should like some breakfast, Ellen, as soon as you can."
"Yes, miss," said Ellen, regarding her with sorrowful and awestruck face.
"I have seen my dear father," she said gravely, in a steady voice; "and you know, Ellen, he is where he wished to be—with Jesus; so we must think of him so!"
"Yes, miss," said Ellen, weeping.
But Christina gently pointed towards the table, as if she could not bear much more, and the girl hastily disappeared.