Dr. Moore was still unwilling to excite the invalid by sending the two girls away, yet he felt that the scene was becoming too painful for them. He stood at the foot of the bed, obedient to Mrs. Franklyn's gentle words—
"Don't go, doctor."
A long pause followed her words to the nurse, and for some moments it seemed as if the dying mother had ceased to breathe. Suddenly the dark eyes opened.
"Raise me, Arthur," she said, faintly.
With gentle hand he lifted her head and laid it on his breast.
"Arthur, it has come. How dark it is! Dear husband, meet me in heaven, it is all light there."
One sigh, then all was still.
Dr. Moore approached. Arthur turned upon him a startled look.
"Is she gone?" he exclaimed. "Oh, darling wife," he continued, kissing the pale face frantically, "oh, forgive me that I never loved you or valued you as I ought."
Dr. Moore removed his arm from the helpless head, and whispering, "Be calm for the sake of your children," drew him gently from the bed.