ming terrible was
that he came so slowly. At times she suffered terribly, and her
sufferings must increase before the end.

The coming of the children was not to be thought of, Mrs Inglis could
see. She would fain have staid to nurse her, but this could not be
while they needed her at home. She promised to return if she were
needed, and begged to be sent for if she could be a comfort to her. All
that care and good nursing could do to alleviate her suffering, Miss
Bethia had. Debby Stone was still with her, and Debby's sister Serepta,
whose health had much improved during the year. The neighbours were
very kind and considerate, and Mrs Inglis felt that all that could be
done for her would be done cheerfully and well.

So she went home; but through the summer they heard often how it was
with their old friend. But first one thing and then another hindered
Mrs Inglis from going to see her till September had well begun. Then
there came a hasty summons for David and his mother, for there were
signs and tokens that the coming of the King's messenger was to be
"sooner," and not "later," as she had feared. So Violet came home
because they could not tell how long the mother might have to stay, and
their departure was hastened.

But the King's messenger had come before them. They saw his presence in
the changed face of their friend. They did not need her whispered
assurance, that she need not have been afraid--that it was well with
her, and the end was come.

"David," she said, brokenly, as her slow, sobbing breath came and went,
"you'll care for your mother always, I know; and you must follow the
Lord, and keep your armour bright."

She fell into a troubled sleep, and waking, said the same words over
again, only with more difficult utterance. She spoke to his mother now
and then in her painful whisper, sending messages to Violet and Jem and
all the rest; and once she asked her if she had a message for the
minister, whom she was sure so soon to see. But the only words that
David heard her speak were these, and he answered:

"I will try, Aunt Bethia;" but he had not voice for more.

It was like a dream to him to be there in the very room where he had
watched that last night with his father. It seemed to be that night
again, so vividly did it all come back.

"Mamma," he whispered, "can you bear it?"

By and by they went up-stairs, and into the study, which was still kept
as they had left it two years ago.