“Yes, dear child; there is a place where all who are clothed in the robes of the Lamb will assuredly meet, and there I trust that you will meet with your mother.”
Aveline looked up in Overton’s face with an inquiring glance. “What do you mean?” she asked eagerly; and then in a deep low whisper, painfully drawing her breath, she said, “Is she dead?”
“The body in which you knew her has returned to dust, but she herself is now rejoicing with a joy unspeakable. Do not mourn for her, my child. Only accept the same gracious offer she accepted, and follow the course she has followed, and assuredly you will be reunited to her.”
“Yes, yes, I will indeed!” exclaimed Aveline, clasping her hands and looking upwards.
Never had I seen a countenance more beautiful and radiant. Already an angelic expression rested on it, such as I am sure it will wear when glorified in heaven.
The husband, Crugeot, now came forward, for before his wife had opened the door he had concealed himself in the further room; even a humble family, such as I have described, in those days lived in dread of persecution. Yet even they would not altogether hold their tongues, but desired to witness for the truth.
We had interrupted, I found, their usual evening service, and on our knocking they had scattered, not knowing who might be about to enter.
Overton now explained to Aveline that he was her uncle, and asked her whether she would go and reside with a rich lady who would be her patroness. She looked at Dame Crugeot.
“I cannot leave her,” she said, “unless she wishes to part with me.”
“I do not wish to part with you, my child; but yet I would advise you to accept the generous offer which has been made.”