"It was a providence, my dear child—a providence which has saved two days in time that is very short. And so he is here?" said the old lady, caressing the golden hair of the girl.
"Yes, dear grandma, he is here and waiting to come to you the moment you are ready to receive him."
"Tell him to come now. And do you come with him."
Emma left the room, and soon returned with Alden Lytton.
"Welcome, my son! Come here and embrace me," said the old lady, holding out her arms.
Alden went and folded the faded form to his bosom and pressed a kiss upon the venerable brow, as the tears sprang to his eyes; for he saw that she was dying.
"Alden, I am going home. I must go. I want to go. I have been here so long. I am very tired. I have had enough of this. I want to go home to my Father. I want to see my Savior face to face. I want to meet my husband and my children, who have been waiting for me so long on the other side. What are you crying for, Emma?"
"Because I can not help it, grandma. I know I ought not to cry, when you will soon be so happy," sobbed the poor child.
"And when I am going to make you and your worthy young lover so happy, my love. Come, wipe your eyes and smile! I shall soon be very happy, and I want to make you and Alden as happy as I can before I go. Now sit down, both of you, and listen to me."
Alden and Emma sat down, one on each side of her.