"Dear father!" was all that Annie could say.
Even then the minister was entering the house.
"I bless thee, my child," the father continued; then turning his eyes heavenward he reverently closed them in prayer, saying, "and God bless thee also, and keep thee from every evil."
God answered him.
His grasp on Annie's hand relaxed; without even a sigh he passed away.
Annie started up with a look of alarm, and saw the same expression on the faces of her aunt and Hunting. They spoke to him; he did not answer. Hunting felt his pulse. Its throb had ceased forever. The chill of a great dread turned his own face like that of the dead.
Miss Eulie put her hand on her brother's heart. It was at rest. Annie stood motionless with dilating eyes watching them. But when her aunt came toward her with streaming eyes she realized the truth and fell fainting to the floor.
Just then the old minister crossed the threshold, but Hunting said to him, almost savagely, "You are too late."