ld, losing her self-control, as she
threw herself upon the bed and clasped her arms about her mother's neck.
For a few minutes her frame shook with her sobs. Fearing the effect of
this strong emotion on the mother, Mrs Blair came to the bed; but she
did not speak, and by a strong effort she calmed herself again.

"Lily," said her mother, in a moment or two, "I have many things to say
to you, and I have not much strength left. You must calm yourself,
darling, and listen to me."

"But, mother, you are not much worse to-night, are you?"

"God is very good to us both, my child, in giving me a little strength
and a clear mind at the last. What I have to say will comfort you
afterwards, Lily. I want to tell my darling what a comfort she has been
to me through all my time of trouble. I have thanked God for my
precious daughter many a time when I was ready to sink. Archie will
never want a mother's care while he has you; and for his sake, love, you
must not grieve too much for me. It will only be for a little while;
and, then, think how happy we shall be."

There was a pause.

"Will you promise, Lily?"

"Yes, mother; I promise. It will only be for a little while."

"I do not fear to leave my darlings. God will keep them safe till we
meet again."

There was a long silence after that; and then she called her sister by
name, and Mrs Blair bent over her.

"Kiss me, Janet. God sent you to us now. Comfort--Alex's bairns."

Again there was silence. The mother's hand moved uneasily, as if in
search of something. Her sister lifted it, and laid it over her
daughter's neck, and then it was at rest. Not a sound broke the
stillness of the hour. They thought she slept; and she did sleep; but
she never woke again. The early dawn showed the change that had passed
over her face, and Lilias knew that she was motherless.

Of how the next days passed, Lilias never had a distinct remembrance.
She only knew that when, on the third morning, strangers came to bear
her mother away, it seemed a long, long time since she died. It seemed
like looking back over years, rather than days, to recall the time when
she lay with her arms clasped around her neck, and listened to her dying
words.

During this time, Mrs Blair had watched her niece with some anxiety.
There was no violent bursts of grief, but there was a look of desolation
on her face which it was heartbreaking to see. She was quiet and gentle
through all; willing, ind