'Beatrice' was the last word she spoke." "Be quiet, father!" said Elizabeth, still more sharply.

The old man, making no reply, sank back into a semi-torpor, rocking himself to and fro upon his chair.
Meanwhile without intermission the work went on.
"It is no use," said the assistant at last, as he straightened his weary frame and wiped the perspiration from his brow.

"She must be dead; we have been at it nearly three hours now." "Patience," said the doctor.

"If necessary I shall go on for four--or till I drop," he added.
Ten minutes more passed.

Everybody knew that the task was hopeless, but still they hoped.
"Great Heavens!" said the assistant presently, starting back from the body and pointing at its face.