His mother gave him permission to accompany her again to see Kitty, and waited while he washed his face and changed his sack.
Kitty lay perfectly quiet, now, her poor, deformed fingers outside the white counterpane. Her transparent skin showed the blue veins in her forehead, but the peace of God was manifest there also.
"Had I better go in?" whispered Mrs. Seyton to Hepsey at the door.
"Yes, she knows you've been here, and she'd be disappointed not to see you; but she can't talk much."
Mrs. Seyton walked softly to the bed, followed by Maurice, and bending over the pale sufferer, kissed her cheek.
It was delightful to see the bright flush of pleasure that for one instant beautified Kitty's whole face, then she said feebly,—
"Thank you for coming. Is that your son?"
Maurice shyly gave his hand.
"I am sorry to see you so feeble and languid," began the lady.
"I am seldom so weak as to-day. I have had a comfortable winter on the whole, and so many blessings." These words were uttered with great emphasis, and with a smile.