"No, I hadn't heard."
Hatty's chin quivered, and the widow noticing her agitation said softly,—
"I wouldn't urge you for any thing. The minister'll be home to-morrow. May be Sallie'll forget it again."
"Hatty! why don't Hatty come?" called out the sick child.
"I'll go now, ma'am. Is any body with her?"
"Nobody but Edward."
"Will you please call him out? I'd rather see her alone."
Hatty was only thirteen years old; and you will not be surprised that when she saw her companion's pale face and wild, protruded eyes, her heart grew faint within her. She sank into a chair, and covered her face with her hands.
"I knew you'd come, I knew you'd be sorry for me," began Sallie, talking with feverish excitement. "Did mother tell you I am going to die?"
"No one but God can know that," murmured Hatty, slowly rising and approaching the bed. "Esther told me you wanted to see me, and I've come."