y, as the
end drew near: "Thy will be done."

The big rocking-chair, the pretty wrappers, and gayly colored sacques
were all laid aside now. The feeblest strength could no longer lift the
frail form, and all the patient sufferer said when lifted or moved was,
"I'm so tired; that will do; it is quite easy." Then the short breath
would give out, and she could only thank them with her eyes, that daily
grew more eloquently beautiful, as though the spirit, refined through
suffering, were taking its last, long farewell look at mother and
sisters, and uttering wordless thanks, which the heart loving then
framed, but the lips weakly refused to utter.

"The end is not far off," Dr. Barnett said, one sultry August night,
after he had left the sick-room. "I shall go down and telegraph for
Olive to come on the first train."

Mrs. Dering laid her clasped hands on his arms with a little gasp, as of
one long expecting a bitter draught, and finding the cup held to her
lips at last. But she was very quiet.

"You think it will come to-night?"

"Hardly. She may live through to-morrow, but no longer, mother."

There was something so helpful in his presence, the warm, loving
utterance of that dear name, and the strong, tender clasp of his hands,
and she clung to him for a moment, as in recognition of the comfort and
help he was, and had been in these sad days.

"They have telegraphed for Olive," Kittie whispered to Kat and Jean, as
they three sat sleeplessly on the bedside, with their arms about each
other, and a pale, hushed awe in their faces.

"That means that she is going to die," cried Kat, trembling. "Oh, how
dreadful it is! I don't think it's right, no I don't."

"Hush," said Kittie, solemnly; but she couldn't say any more. Her own
heart was sadly rebellious, and could not think it was right.

"It must be," said Jean slowly, in her sweet, quiet way. "God never
does what isn't right; He can't, girls, though we can't always
understand why some things are."

No one was disposed to speak further on the subject, the like of which
has vexed many great minds, the world over, but they sat there hushed
and quiet, and with awe-stricken hearts, as though they heard or felt
the noiseless approach of the coming king, who passed them by, and went
into the room where the pale mother watched and prayed beside the quiet
sleeper.

Dr. Barnett came back soon, and brought Bea with him; but after looking
in to speak a few hurried words tha