But soon she raised herself
up, and said:

"I didna mean to trouble you, Christie. I know I have no need to grieve
for you. But, oh! I cannot help thinking you might have been spared
longer if I had been more watchful--more faithful to my trust!"

"Effie," said Christie, "move me a little, and lie down beside me. I
have something to say to you, and there can be no better time than now.
You are weary with your long watching. Rest beside me."

Her sister arranged the pillow and lay down beside her. Clasping her
wasted arms about her neck, Christie said:

"Effie, you don't often say wrong or foolish things, but what you said
just now was both wrong and foolish. You must never say it or think it
any more. Have I not been in safe keeping, think you? Nay! do not
grieve me by saying that again," she added, laying her hand upon her
sister's lips, as she would have spoken. "It all seems so right and
safe to me, I would not have anything changed now, except that I should
like to see them all at home. And I dare say that will pass away as the
end draws near. It will not be long now, Effie." She paused from
exhaustion, only adding: "I am not afraid."

The much she had to say was not said that night. The sisters lay
silently in each other's arms, and while Christie slumbered, Effie
prayed as she had never prayed before, that she might be made submissive
to the will of God in this great sorrow that was drawing nearer day by
day.

After this they spoke much of the anticipated parting, but never sadly
any more. Effie's prayers were answered. God's grace did for her what,
unaided, she never could have done for herself. It gave her power to
watch the shadow of death drawing nearer and nearer, without shrinking
from the sight. I do not mean that she felt no pain at the thought of
going back to her home alone, or that she had quite ceased to blame
herself for what she called her neglect of her suffering sister. Many a
long struggle did she pass through during the hours when Christie
slumbered. But she never again suffered a regretful word to pass her
lips; she never for a moment let a cloud rest on her face when
Christie's eyes were matching her. She had soothing words for the poor
child's restless moments. If a doubt or fear came to disturb her quiet
trust, she had words of cheer to whisper; and when--as oftenest
happened--her peace was like a river, full and calm and deep, no
murmurs, no repining, fell from