say good-by."

Gently Dr. Bryant took Florence from her cousin, and then each in
turn, Mrs. Carlton and Aunt Lizzy, bent over her; as the latter turned
away, Mary took her hand, and drawing her down, murmured:

"My dear aunt, forgive what may have pained you in my past life. We
have differed on many points, but we both know there is one God. Ah!
aunt, in his kingdom may we soon meet again: think of me often, dear
aunt. When I am gone you will be very lonely, but only for a short
period are we separated."

Dr. Bryant elevated her pillow that she might rest more easily. She
lifted her eyes to his pale face. "Frank, will you turn the sofa that
I may see the sun set once more?"

He moved it to the west window, and drew aside the curtain that the
golden beams might enter: she could not look out, for the sofa was
low, and sitting down beside her, he passed his arm around her,
and lifted her head to his bosom. For a time she looked out on the
brilliant hues of the setting sun, now just visible above the tree
tops. Slowly it sank, then disappeared forever to her vision. Once Dr.
Bryant had seen her lips move, as in prayer; now the deep blue eyes
were again raised to the loved face bending over her.

"Long ago, I prayed to God that I might fade away gently, and die a
painless death. He has granted my petition. All things seem very
calm and beautiful--earth ne'er looked so like heaven before; yet how
insignificant in comparison with the glories which await me. Frank,
if aught could draw me back, and make me loth to leave this world, it
would be my love for you. Life would be so bright passed by your side.
You know the depth of my love, yet I may not remain. Frank, tell
me that you can give me up for a little while. Oh! can you not say,
'God's will-be done?'"

"Mary, it is a terrible trial to yield you up, when I looked forward
so joyously to the future. It is hard to think of the long, long
dreary years that are to come, and know that you will not be near me;
that I cannot see your face, or hear your loved tones. Oh, Mary, you
know not the bitterness of this hour; yet I can say God's will be
done, for I have conquered my own heart, but every earthly joy and
hope has passed away. To our reunion I must ever look as my only
comfort, and I pray God that it may be speedy."

He bent his head till his lips rested on the white brow, now damp in
death. Wearily she turned her face toward his; he clasped the wasted
form tightly to