"I'm too weak to talk much," was the weary answer. "I wish I could lie here forever and look out on the fleecy clouds."
"Would it tire you for me to read?"
"No; but you'll get the Bible; and it's no use. I'm past that long ago."
She took a small testament from the table, and turning to Luke xv, 7; read this verse, "I say unto you that, likewise, joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons which need no repentance."
Then turning to Pedro, she said in Italian; "See that your master has every attention. If he has any friend whom he wishes to see, send for him."
When she saw her brother she related what had passed, adding; "I wish I knew how his life had been spent during all these years. He refers to temptation and crime with a shudder, from which I hope conscience is not dead."
"I can tell you the general outline," was Mr. Wallingford's reply. "I passed an hour with him this morning, while Pedro was preparing his food; and he seemed relieved at being allowed to confess the depths of sin into which he had plunged."
"Has he formed any other tie?" she asked in some confusion.
"No, he says he could not legally. By our laws, though you are released from him, he is still bound to you."
"Edward. Is this true?" She shook from head to foot.