ve me your hand--you were always dear to me, and now,
even as in the years of childhood do I feel drawn to you! Let us go; let
us try together the path of life. My heart longs after you; and does not
yours say to you that we are fit for one another, and that we can be
happy together?"

"Should I be a burden to you?" said Sara: "were I but stronger, I would
wait upon you; could I only win my bread by my hands, as in the latter
years I have done--but now!"

"Now give yourself up to me blindly," said Petrea. "I have enough for
us both. In a while, when you are stronger, we will help one another."

"Will not my wasted life--my bitter remembrances make my temper gloomy
and me a burden?" asked Sara; "and do not dark spirits master those who
have been so long in their power?"

"Penitence," said Petrea, "is a goddess--she protects the erring. And if
a heathen can say this, how much more a Christian!--Oh, Sara!
annihilating repentance itself--I know it--can become a strength for
him, by which he can erect himself. It can raise up to new life; it can
arouse a will which can conquer all things--it has raised me erect--it
will do the same for you! You stand now in middle life--a long future is
before you--you have an amiable child; have friends; have to live for
eternal life! Live for these! and you will see how, by degrees, the
night vanishes, the day ascends, and all arranges itself and becomes
clear. Come, and let us two unitedly work at the most important business
of life--improvement!"

Sara, at these words, raised herself in the bed, and new beams were
kindled in her eyes. "I will," said she, "Petrea; an angel speaks
through you; your words strengthen and calm me wonderfully--I will begin
anew----"

Petrea pressed Sara to her breast, and spoke warm and heartfelt
"thanks," and then added softly, "and now be a good child, Sara!--all
weak and sick people are children. Now submit, calmly and resignedly, to
be treated and guided like such a one; gladden by so doing those who are
around you, and who all wish you well! We cannot think of any change
before you are considerably better--it would trouble every one."

At this moment the door was opened, and the mother looked in
inquiringly; she smiled so affectionately as she locked Sara in her
arms. Leonore followed her; but as she saw Sara's excited state, she
went quickly back and returned with a breakfast-tray covered with all
kinds of good things; and now cheerful and merry