“‘Frankie,’ I said, ‘I know it is hard to be away from your relatives, but you are not friendless; I am your friend. Mrs. S—— and the kind Doctor are your friends, and we will all take care of you. More than this, God is your friend, and he is nearer to you now than either of us can get. Trust him, my boy. He will help you.’
“A faint smile passed over the pale sufferer’s features.
“‘O, do you think he will?’ he asked.
“Then, as he held my hands closer, he turned his face more fully toward me, and said: ‘My mother taught me to pray when I was a very little boy, and I never forgot it. I have always said my prayers every day, and tried not to be bad. Do you think God heard me always?’
“‘Yes, most assuredly. Did he not promise, in his good Book, from which your mother taught you, that he would always hear the prayers of his children? Ask, and ye shall receive. Don’t you remember this? One of the worst things we can do is to doubt God’s truth. He has promised, and he will fulfil. Don’t you feel so, Frankie?’
“He hesitated a moment, and then answered, slowly: ‘Yes, I do believe it. I am not afraid to die, but I want somebody to love me.’
“The old cry for love, the strong yearning for the sympathy of kindred hearts. It would not be put down.
“‘Frankie, I love you. Poor boy! you shall not be left alone. Is not this some comfort to you?’
“‘Do you love me? Will you stay with me, and not leave me?’
“‘I will not leave you. Be comforted, I will stay as long as you wish.’