And then Arthur cried too; for the bitterness of what it would be to bear it came over him.
“God will bless us both in it, my darling,” said his mother; “and He will take care of us while we are separated, and bring us back to each other again some day, I trust. But Arthur, my own, am I leaving you in a loving Saviour’s arms? Are you there, folded in His everlasting arms?”
“Mother,” said Arthur in a faltering voice, “I do really believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. I am nearly sure I do. But I don’t feel happy. I don’t think much about Him, and it makes me feel frightened when I think about dying.”
“But He says, ‘Trust, and not be afraid,’ and He says, ‘I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.’ Oh, Arthur, I do leave you in His arms! for I am sure you are there if you trust in Him; and perhaps He is taking me away so that you may feel His arms, and that it is a very sweet thing to be there, and to be loved and taken care of for ever. As I do,” she added, “in the midst of all my sorrows.”
CHAPTER IV.
LAST DAYS AT ASHTON GRANGE.
