The well-nigh broken-hearted mother fell on her knees, and for a while there was silent pleading.
"I can't hear, mummie," she said fretfully.
Then with a strange calm coming over her spirit, Mrs. Rose said slowly and clearly—
"Dear Lord Jesus, make Elsie Thine own little soldier, for Thy name's sake. Amen."
"Thank you, mother dear, that's all right now. Good-night—I'm getting ra'ver sleepy."
The sweet eyes closed wearily, and through the long night-watches, the devoted mother never once left her bedside. Morning dawned, and the spark of life was flickering just a little stronger, and the doctor in a more cheery voice bade her take heart.
"While there's life there's hope," he said, using the time-worn words with an expression of deep sympathy in his kindly face, and from that day it seemed the child slowly but surely began to mend.
* * * * *
"Tell me, Miss Beaumont, is there anything I can do for Lisa?"
"Yes, Matthew, there is much that you can do—I think you are raised up to help her in a time of bitter need and adversity."