“‘“What is this life to one who has suffered as I have?”’ said I.
“Harriet brushed the flour off her apron and sat down for a moment in a muse. Then she dictated as follows:
“‘“Under the breaking of my heart I have borne up. I have borne up under all that tries a woman—but this thought—oh, Henry!”’
“‘Ma’am, shall I put ginger into this pumpkin?’ queried Mina.
“‘No, you may let that alone just now,’ replied Harriet. She then proceeded:
“‘“I know my duty to my children. I see the hour must come. You must take them, Henry; they are my last earthly comfort.”’
“‘Ma’am, what shall I do with these egg shells and all this truck here?’ interrupted Mina.
“‘Put them in the pail by you,’ answered Harriet.
“‘“They are my last earthly comfort,”’ said I. ‘What next?’
“She continued to dictate: