"And now may the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of
Jacob, rest upon thee forever my son."
The icy fingers which had lain within those of the other, now relaxed their hold.
Mr. Lawson seeing that the man was growing weaker, made an excuse to leave.
"Phillip," said Mr. Verne in a hoarse tone, "When I have laid in my grave for three months I want you to show my child that document. Then plead your suit, and if from my home above it be possible that it is granted me to witness the scene, I shall pray for you both. Yes, Phillip, the prayer of an invisible presence shall light upon you and crown you with a happiness, that will have no end."
CHAPTER XL.
TIME'S CHANGES—MONTAGUE ARNOLD.
Gloomy scenes are not agreeable to the general reader we will now pass over the period when death and its inevitable sorrow overshadowed the once festive halls of "Sunnybank."
A great change had taken place, yet when settlements had been made the estate was in a better condition than was at first supposed. The trustees were men of the strictest integrity, who made ample provision for the afflicted family.
With feelings of relief and gratitude Marguerite learned that "Sunnybank" was to be sold for the benefit of the creditors and that a cosey little home had been provided instead.
With Mrs. Verne it was otherwise.