"I am going fast!" he said to Eunice, who was lifting his head upon her arm that she might adjust the pillow. "The Father is very good. The 'precious blood' avails—even for me—for me! I go empty-handed, but rich—for there is the 'unspeakable gift!'" Closing his eyes he murmured softly to himself.
Eunice bowed her ear, and held her breath to catch the words.
"'The token was an arrow, with the point sharpened by love, let easily into the heart!' God is good—very good!"
It had been the testimony of his whole life.
"Jessie, dear! my little girl! you are wearing yourself out for me!" he said, at another time. "I wish Roy were here! But His will be done! He knows my darling's needs—her temptations—her trials. Like as a Father pitieth his children, dear! And it is true! Recollect that I told you so, this—and when—and how!"
She was to recollect it in the Father's good time. Now the words meant little, after she had heard the dying parent's wish for Roy's return. She said something in her own heart that was like a thanksgiving that her father was spared the one pang which the coming of the man he would have her marry, would bring,—that the sea rolled between them.
"We shall be cared for, Papa!" she replied, quietly.
"I know! The promise is sure," and he slept again, like a child at even-time upon the mother's breast.
"The 'great peace' is his!" said Eunice, in pious gratitude.
Jessie was mute.