At Jesus’ feet,
And meet to part no more!”
Tears were in her tender eyes while the music of the simple hymn was sounding through her spirit.
Farewells were falling from faltering lips and failing hearts all around her. And in a saloon not far off a party of Germans were celebrating their embarkation by drinking lager and singing songs, in which Fatherland was the most frequent word and the chorus.
But Aunt Sophie heard none of this. She was in a dream.
She was aroused by the gentle voice of Lilith in her ear, saying:
“Aunt Sophie, the baroness says you have just time to bid us good-bye and get comfortably back to the pier. Monsieur Le Grange is waiting here to take you to the carriage, after which he will barely have time to return to us before the plank is drawn. Dear Aunt Sophie, the moment has come. Bid me good-bye and give me your blessing.”
Mrs. Downie caught Lilith to her breast, burst into tears and sobbed aloud.
Lilith kissed her repeatedly, reiterating all the promises she had ever made, never to forget her, always to love her, often to write to her, and soon as possible to return.
“Madame, I must have the honor, if you please,” said Monsieur Le Grange, with kindly firmness, as he drew the arm of the little old lady within his own and led her off to the gang plank, over which a sad procession was passing to the pier.