"Whatever has put such an idea into your head?" asked Betty smiling, and controlling herself with effort.
"God has told me so, Betty—in a wonderful vision. No, I'm not delirious dear—my mind is clear. I've only a little while to be with you dear. I want you to talk to me of the gospel; all the time that is left. I know it is true, now that it is too late to be baptized. Betty promise me, you'll be baptized for me when I'm gone?"
This was too much for Betty. The tears came as she looked into the eyes of this dying friend, who had done so much for her.
"O, dearest, I would promise to do anything, but you must try to get well. We need you—you must try!"
"I wouldn't be much use here," returned Edith, "but"—then her eyes shone with a sudden happy light—"I'm going to do a great work when I pass over. Listen—my vision was so plain. I was in a strange country—I saw hundreds of stricken people pass me by; they were captives in chains, and they were dragging along, with faces, Betty, those sad faces! They looked at me beseechingly, with sunken eyes that held such a haunted hopeless expression. I tried to speak to them, but could not. On, on they passed. Their number seemed endless. I felt stifled by their misery, and uttered a low cry. Then I looked up to see an angel standing by me. He pointed to the passing crowds. "You who have loved the destitute," he said, "do not be afraid to die. God has ordained you to preach the Gospel to these waiting spirits—now hungry for the truth.' That was all. The vision vanished, but it was enough. It wasn't a dream. It was a message from God, Betty. Tell Alma it was a real vision."
Betty felt that Edith spoke the truth. A sad certainty threatened to overcome her. Silently she prayed for strength.
Edith's effort had exhausted her. Gently Betty stroked her head as she fell asleep.
Then she sought Alma and told her all.
"Alma, it is best to face the worst. Let us be brave. Perhaps it was a dream, but Edith is so sure. Let us pray for strength to accept whatever comes."
Toward morning Edith grew weaker. The doctor came.