ked at the body and perceived that his offices were
needless, and then turned to Amine, who had not yet checked her tears.

"Weep, my child, weep! for you have cause," said the priest. "The loss
of a father's love must be a severe trial to a dutiful and affectionate
child. But yield not too much to your grief, Amine; you have other
duties, other ties, my child--you have your husband."

"I know it, father," replied Amine; "still must I weep, for I was _his_
daughter."

"Did he not go to bed last night then that his clothes are still upon
him? When did he first complain?"

"The last time that I saw him, father," replied Philip; "he came into my
room and gave me some medicine, and then he wished me good night. Upon
on a summons to attend a sick bed, my wife went to call him, and found
him speechless."

"It has been sudden," replied the priest; "but he was an old man, and
old men sink at once. Were you with him when he died?"

"I was not, sir," replied Philip; "before my wife had summoned me and I
had dressed myself, he had left this world."

"I trust, my children, for a better." Amine shuddered. "Tell me
Amine," continued the priest, "did he show signs of grace before he
died? for you know full well that he has long been looked on as doubtful
in his creed and little attentive to the rites of our holy church."

"There are times, holy father," replied Amine, "when even a sincere
Christian can be excused, even if he give no sign. Look at his clenched
hands, witness the agony of death on his face, and could you, in that
state expect a sign?"

"Alas! 'tis but too true, my child: we must then hope for the best.
Kneel with me, my children, and let us offer up a prayer for the soul of
the departed."

Philip and Amine knelt with the priest, who prayed fervently; and as
they rose, they exchanged a glance which fully revealed what was passing
in the mind of each.

"I will send the people to do their offices for the dead, and prepare
the body for interment," said Father Seysen; "but it were as well not to
say that he was dead before I arrived, or to let it he supposed that he
was called away without receiving the consolations of our holy creed."

Philip motioned his head in assent as he stood at the foot of the bed,
and the priest departed. There had always been a strong feeling against
Mynheer Poots in the village;--his neglect of all religious duties--the
doubt whether he was even a member of the church--his a