Sister Ursula sent at once for me, that I might be with
him while she went for another doctor, as Brother Jonathan has just
been summoned to the country to visit the miller."

"How good you are, dear Sister Agatha!" said Carmen, pressing her hand
affectionately.

They had now entered the house, and Alexander remained in an adjoining
room, while Carmen went at once to her father. The bed had been drawn
close to the window to give him more air, and he was now resting
quietly, as if asleep, his hands crossed on his breast, and the shadow
of death on his brow. Carmen was greatly shocked at the change.

"My darling father, I am here with you; do you know me, your own
Carmen?" she asked, kneeling by the couch.

At the sound of her voice, he opened his eyes, and a faint, happy smile
broke over his stiffening features.

"My child--are you here? Now I am ready to go."

"Father, let us hope God will spare you to us!"

"No, my precious child, let us hope He will, at last, set me free; for
I long, oh so earnestly! to be at rest. Carmen, a guilty conscience is
a scorpion which never ceases to torment, and deals a death-blow to all
peace and happiness; therefore keep your heart pure, my darling, and
ever have God's commandments before your mind, so as to avoid sinning
against them. Let me persuade you to come back into the bosom of our
faith, and draw your husband with you. He could enter the Brotherhood,
even though he lived elsewhere. Oh, ensure the safety of your soul,
under the shelter of our holy religion, so that your life be not
poisoned with remorse, as mine has been!"

She kissed her father's hand with love and reverence; then raising her
head, looked in his eyes, which rested on her so anxiously. "Father I
promise you I will remain faithful to my God, and endeavor to keep His
laws."

Mauer sank back on his pillows. "Brother Jonathan," he whispered,
after a pause, "has kept my fearful secret; and even though he always
involuntarily reminds me of it, he has maintained his friendship and
brotherly love for me until now; but he has never allowed me to forget
that my wealth must go to the community, as an atonement for my crime;
so I have specified in my will that, in expiation of a great sin, I
have left all my money to the commonwealth of the Brotherhood and their
missions: thus, in benefiting all, to make amends for sinning against
one."

Carmen silently kissed his pale lips; then, rising, went into the