"Yes, there is a flicker up before the end; but he is dying."
Poor Susan pressed her hand upon her side, and clung to her mistress's arm.
"Oh, dear lady, pray for me," she said. "I have come because I knew mother would have wished it."
"Take courage, Susan, and God will help you."
Many wistful eyes were turned upon the mistress and her maid, as they entered the ward. Some of the wounded people were groaning, others crying aloud for help; but Bob Priday, lying against pillows propped behind him, was still and silent.
Joyce led Susan to the bed, and said:
"I have brought your daughter, and I come to thank you for keeping your promise; for you saved my husband's life."
A strange, half-conscious smile flitted over the man's face.
"I'm sorry I've been such a bad husband to thee, Susan, for thou wert a tidy lass when I married thee. What are thee come to fetch me for? Susan, don't'ee cry."
"Father, father! my dear mistress has brought me to say 'Good-bye.'"