The fever abated, but left her prostrate in strength.

For a few weeks she lingered; but she seemed to have little hold of life, and to care not whether she lived or died.

So, gradually she faded away.
"I know you will take care of my boy as if he were your own, Bertha," she said one day; "and you and your husband will be far better protectors for him than I should have been had I lived.

Teach him to be honest and true.

It were better, methinks, that he grew up thinking you his father and mother, for otherwise he may grow discontented with his lot; but this I leave with you, and you must speak or keep silent according as you see his disposition and mind.