And yet not alone, for He who loveth little children, folded her to His bosom.
"It is quite time she took her drops," said Timmins, re-entering the room; and holding the phial up to the light, and placing a spoon under its mouth, she commenced counting, "One—two—three—four—here Tibbie.
"What!"
The horror-struck Timmins darted through the door, and back to Mrs. Markham.
"Oh, ma'am—oh, ma'am—she's gone—all alone, too—oh, Mrs. Markham—"
"Who's gone? what are you talking about, Timmons?"
"Tibbs, ma'am—Tibbs—while I was down here talking to you—and all alone, too—oh dear—oh dear—"
"Hold your tongue, Timmins; as if your being there would have done any good?"
"Don't you think so, ma'am?" asked the relieved Timmins.
"No, of course not; the child's time had come—it is all well enough; you couldn't have helped it. Call Watkins, and tell her to go lay her out. I will be up when I have taken my nap. You stay there till Watkins has done, and then lock the door and take the key. What o'clock is it?"