This to Louise a little later, as Dorothy moved about doing last things for her mother's comfort.
"She told me that 'He took her.'"
"It is a strange thing, but I believe he has taken her mother too. Good-night, and God bless you."
And then Mother Morgan deliberately folded her arms about Louise and deliberately kissed her twice before the astonished eyes of Dorothy. She had just come in from the kitchen to petition,—
"Mother, couldn't you lie down beside Nellie and sleep, and let me stay awake to watch her?"
"No, Dorothy, I don't need it; I am rested. I have found such rest as I knew nothing about. Louise will tell you."
It is very strange that between a mother and a daughter kisses should have been so rare a thing that for Dorothy to feel one on her cheek made the rich blood roll into it in waves, and she was utterly bewildered still, until she heard Louise repeating, "'Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.' Mother has just been to him with his promise, and received its fulfilment, Dorrie," she said. And as they went up the stairs together, she added, "Dorrie dear, I believe you and I could sing the long-metre doxology with good effect to-night. Meantime, dear, don't let us for one moment let go of John."
Ah! But stronger arms than theirs had hold of John.