Kneeling fora few moments by her side, the young missionary artist, conquering natural feeling as in the presence of Him who has bidden His children "ask what they will," pleaded in the simplicity of faith for the suffering separated ones; and over the weary heart and fading form of the Countess left a sense of rest and peace which was not there when he came.
Phœbe placed her little charge in its mother's arms, and followed him out.
"Massa Guy," said she, bravely driving back her tears, "she not be here long. You make her see de dear Lord Jesus, den she ready to go; den she say, 'It is good for me that I have been afflicted.' Now you not be 'bove old Phœbe's blessing. Go away safe with de angels ob de Lord, and bine by, all work done, we hab massa and missy and all in hebben."
"Amen," said Guy, grasping the honest black hand; "and, Phœbe, we must hear of you again. You have done me faithful, loving service, and you do not know the value of that pocket-book to my dear mother: she will want to thank you herself."
"S'pose Phœbe come some day to ole Moat House, she be took in?" asked Phœbe, quaintly.
"Aye, gladly Phœbe; remember to try it."
"As de Lord please," said Phœbe. "Me tink de world better outside dis city, all stifle with dem priests; can't 'bide 'em. Satan lookin' out dere eyes all round."
Guy could not conceal his acquiescence in Phœbe's opinion, and did not fully realize his personal safety until far away from the city of priests, where the religion they teach is a travesty of truth, human hearts their playthings, the game ambition, and the prize dominion.
The health of the Countess visibly declined, and the unwelcome visits of the confessor produced alarming effects upon her system. Sometimes she fainted away; sometimes she raised her eyes to his cold hard face with a look of anguish and entreaty, softly murmuring, "My husband,—save my husband," and he would be fain to excuse her any further effort.
Then he would warn Phœbe of careful obedience to the physician's orders, that the Countess might be enabled to bear removal. And kind friends called to inquire, and wonder what the end of the sad story would be.