"I always slept in the same bed with my mother. That night I had a bad cold and could not sleep; but knowing that she was not well, I lay quite still, fearing to disturb her. She slept well during the early part of the night. The clock had just struck twelve when she rose up in the bed, and called Dinah to come to her quickly. Her voice sounded hollow and tremulous.
"'What ails you, Rachel?' grumbled the hard woman; 'disturbing a body at this hour of the night.'
"'Be it night or morning,' said my mother, 'I am dying, and this hour will be my last.'
"'Then in the name of God! send for the doctor.'
"'It is too late now. He can do me no good: I am going fast; but there is something on my mind, mother, which I must tell you before I go. Sit down beside me on the bed, whilst I have strength left to do it, and swear to me mother, that you will not abuse the confidence I am about to repose in you.'
"Dinah nodded assent.
"'That will not do. I must have your solemn word—your oath!'
"'What good will that do, Rachel? no oath can bind me—I believe in no God, and fear no devil!'
"This confession was accompanied by a hideous, cackling laugh. Rachel groaned aloud.
"'Oh, mother! there is a God—an avenging God! Could you feel what I now feel, and see what I now see, like the devils, you would believe and tremble. You will know it one day, and like me, find out that repentance comes too late. I will, however, tell the plain truth, and your diabolical policy, will, doubtless, suggest the use which may be made of such an important secret.'