“I shall never rise from my bed again,” said she; “do not leave me except when I sleep. My mind begins at times to give way. Remember your promise to prepare to meet me in the better land.”
“I will,” said he, nerving himself to composure for her sake. He then read the Scriptures to her, and, unasked, kneeled and offered a prayer in her behalf.
Ere long the aged pastor of the village church entered the chamber. He had been absent some time on a visit of mercy to a prodigal son of one of his parishioners. He silently pressed the hand of Carlton, and passing to the bedside, impressed a kiss upon the forehead of Eliza. His experienced eye told him that the silver thread of life was well nigh broken.
“You are on the verge of Jordan,” said he.
“Yes,” was the calm reply.
“Its waves are not rough?”
“Calm and peaceful.”
“You have no fears of death?”
“None.”
“Thanks be to God who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. You can say Thy will be done?”