"Thank you, dear. That would indeed be a pleasure."
"Where shall I read? But here is your mark in St. John's Gospel."
In a low, and, to her mother, inexpressibly sweet voice, she read the last words of Christ to his disciples, frequently pausing as she read, as though applying the precious words to her own case.
Mrs. Douglass lay with her eyes fixed on the pale countenance of the reader, wondering what made her so beautiful. The rich bloom had gone, the dark eyes no longer flashed; but never had there been such a serene smile wreathing the lips. It seemed to indicate an inward peace.
At last, Juliette, raising her eyes from the book met her mother's gaze fixed intently on her.
"Can I do anything more for you, dear?" she said, rising and leaning over the bed.
"O Juliette! If you could, if you would, pray: we need help so much."
There was a momentary struggle in the breast of the young convert, and then, throwing herself on her knees by the bed, she hid her face in her hands and poured out from a thankful heart prayer for Christ's presence, such as he had promised his disciples, and praise for the blessed hope of acceptance and pardon. With the simplicity of a child who has scarcely learned the language of prayer, but whose soul is fully alive to the value of the blessings to be asked for, she plead for wisdom equal to every emergency, grace for every trial her Father in his love might see fit to send. She prayed for her dear mother, so weak and suffering, for her boy, not yet out of danger, that He who loved them better than any earthly love would do for them according to his will. "But, oh, dear Jesus, who loves little children," she cried, clasping her hands, "if he must die, and it is Thy blessed will, prepare my boy, my poor, neglected child, for heaven. Let him not suffer eternally for his mother's sinful neglect of Thy commands."
Then her sobs became so violent that she was obliged to rise hastily and leave the room.
Mrs. Douglass closed her eyes, while she murmured the inspired words, "Lord, now let Thy servant depart in peace, for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation."