“Lily, love, read to me the twelfth of Hebrews,” said her mother, in a low, changed voice.
By a strong effort Lilias quieted herself, and read on till she came to the eleventh verse: “‘Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous; but afterwards it yieldeth the peaceable fruits of righteousness to them that are exercised thereby.’”
“You believe that, Lily?” said her mother.
“Yes, mother,” said the child, in a trembling voice.
“And you’ll mind it by-and-by, darling, and comfort your brother with the words? It won’t be for long, Lily. You’ll soon be with us there.”
“Mother! mother!” gasped the child, losing her self-control, as she threw herself upon the bed and clasped her arms about her mother’s neck. For a few minutes her frame shook with her sobs. Fearing the effect of this strong emotion on the mother, Mrs Blair came to the bed; but she did not speak, and by a strong effort she calmed herself again.
“Lily,” said her mother, in a moment or two, “I have many things to say to you, and I have not much strength left. You must calm yourself, darling, and listen to me.”
“But, mother, you are not much worse to-night, are you?”
“God is very good to us both, my child, in giving me a little strength and a clear mind at the last. What I have to say will comfort you afterwards, Lily. I want to tell my darling what a comfort she has been to me through all my time of trouble. I have thanked God for my precious daughter many a time when I was ready to sink. Archie will never want a mother’s care while he has you; and for his sake, love, you must not grieve too much for me. It will only be for a little while; and, then, think how happy we shall be.”
There was a pause.