it, as she struggled with
this thought. Why was the child so quiet now, after having been so
restless? Was it that it was really better? Was this sleep the
rest of exhausted nature, recovering itself, or was it--was it--she
dared not formulate the thought, complete the question.

Again, in the anguish of her mind, in her craving for help in this
hour of despondency, she put forth her hand in the air gropingly,
and clutched nothing. She fully opened her palm, extended it level
before her, and then, wearily let it fall.

From where she sat she could not see even the star that had
glimmered on her as she crossed the common.

She heard the crackling of the gravel of the path under a foot,
and a figure passed the porch door, then came back, and stood
looking at her.

She recognized the sexton.

"Who are you there?" he asked.

She answered him.

"Do you want to see where Jonas is laid? Come along with me, and
I'll show you."

She shrank back.

"He's where the Kinks all are. You must look and see that it is
all right. I haven't been paid my fee. Them Rocliffes buttoned up
their pockets. They sed it was for you to pay. But I hear they
have put their hands on the property. They thought you would be
hanged, but as you ain't they'll have to turn out, and you'll have
to pay me for buryin' of Jonas, I reckon."

The old fellow was much bowed, and hard of hearing. He came into
the porch, laid hold of Mehetabel, and said, "I'm goin to lock
the gate. You must turn out; I can't let you bide in the churchyard
till you come to bide there forever. Be that your baby in your
arms?"

"Yes, Mr. Linegar, it is."

"It don't make much noise. Ain't a very lively young Radical."

"Would you like to see my baby?" asked Mehetabel, timidly, and she
uncovered the sleeping child.

The sexton bowed over the little face, and straightening himself
as much as he could, said, "It seems not unlike as that the child
be comin' to me."

"What do you mean?" Her heart stood still.

"If you hadn't showed it me as alive, I'd ha' sed it were dead, or
dyin'. Well, come and tell me where it's to be laid. Shall it go
beside Jonas?"

"Mister Linegar!" Mehetabel stood still trembling. "Why do you
say that? My babe is well. He is sleeping very sound."

"He looks won'erful white."

"That's because of the twilight. You fancy he is white. He has
the most beautiful little color in his lips and cheeks, just like
the crimson on a daisy."

"Well, com