She looked her gratitude out of tear-dimmed eyes.
"God has been very good to me, in sparing me, my father," she said. "And my children, my seven darlings—all good and loving. How rich I ought to feel! how rich I do feel, though so sorely bereaved."
The tears burst forth afresh.
"You will let me go to them?" she said when she could speak again.
"To-morrow, if you will try to rest and gain strength to-day. I am quite sure it is what he would have wished—that you should rest a little longer. The children can come to you for an hour or two to-day."
She yielded for that time, and the next day he withdrew his opposition and himself led her down to the breakfast parlour, where all were gathered to partake of the morning meal.
CHAPTER V.
"Weep not for him that dieth,
For he hath ceased from tears."
—Mrs. Norton.