"What hand and life can."
"I know it," said Hugh. "I am very glad you will have her. You will not let her tire herself any more."
Whatever became of Fleda's tears, she had driven them away, and leaning forward, she touched her cheek to his, saying, with a clearness and sweetness of voice that only intensity of feeling could have given her at the moment
"I am not tired, dear Hugh."
Hugh clasped one arm round her neck and kissed her again and again, seeming unable to say anything to her in any other way; still keeping his hold of Mr. Carleton's hand.
"I give all my part of her to you," he said, at length. "Mr.
Carleton, I shall see both of you in heaven?"
"I hope so," was the answer, in those very calm and clear tones that have a singular effect in quieting emotion, while they indicate anything but the want of it.
"I am the best off of you all," Hugh said.
He lay still for awhile with shut eyes. Fleda had withdrawn herself from his arms and stood at his side, with a bowed head, but perfectly quiet. He still held Mr. Carleton's hand, as something he did not want to part with.
"Fleda," said he, "who is that crying? Mother come here."