CHAPTER XXXVIII.
AN AWFUL REVELATION—MORE CLOUDS TO DARKEN THE SUN OF LIFE—SICKNESS AND BLESSED INSENSIBILITY.
I slept uninterruptedly that night, and, on awaking in the morning, I was surprised to find it ten minutes past five. Hurrying on my clothes, I went to Miss Nancy's apartment, and was much surprised to find her sitting in her easy chair, her toilette made. Looking up from the Bible, which lay open on the stand before her, she said,
"I have stolen a march, Ann, and have risen before you."
"Yes, ma'm," replied I, in a mortified tone, "I am ten minutes behind the time; I am very sorry, and hope you will excuse me."
"No apologies, now; I hope you do not take me for a cruel, exacting task-mistress, who requires every inch of your time."
"No, indeed, I do not, for I know you to be the kindest mistress and best friend in the world."
"And now, Ann, I will read some from the Lamentations of Jeremiah; and we will unite in family prayer."
At the ringing of the little bell Biddy quickly appeared, and we seated ourselves near Miss Nancy, and listened to her beautiful voice as it broke forth in the plaintive eloquence of the holy prophet!