“God bless you, my children,” he said, turning his eyes toward them. “You have been very dear to me. June, love and trust your brother, as ever you have, and Scott, take good care of your mother and sister. I can die easy leaving all in your care. June, my little darling June, what a blessing you have been to me. Comfort your mother when I am gone, and meet me in heaven. Paul; where is Paul?”
Paul glided silently toward the bed, and kneeling by its side bowed his head in silent agony.
“Paul, dear Paul, I shall soon be at rest, and I hope to meet you in the beautiful world where I go. You have been a good, faithful friend, and have cheered many an hour that would have been dark without your presence. Be faithful to your mission; you have a great one yet to perform.” The words sank deeply into Paul’s heart, and they acted as an incentive to urge him to his duty.
“Rene, dear child,” whispered the sick man, “where are you?”
“She will be here soon,” said Scott, vainly trying to hide his emotion, at the same time wondering how she could be so cruel as to stay away when she knew that death was entering their home.
“Rene,” he whispered again, “I am going. Tell her I leave my blessing, as I leave with you all, my loved ones.”
The physician had entered, and looking at the patient, shook his head and turned away.
“Can you do nothing?” Scott asked in a husky voice, showing the agony he was trying so hard to conceal.
The dreaded sentence fell from the doctor’s lips.