"I used to have fortitude; but I feel that I am breaking fast.

I am not what I was." The last two sentences were spoken in a tone so sad and mournful, that the doctor could scarcely keep back the tears.
"You have friends here, I suppose," he remarked, "who will be with you on this afflicting occasion ?" "I have no friends," she replied, in the same sad voice.

"I and my children are alone in this hard world.

Would to heaven we were all with Ella!" Her tears again gushed forth and flowed freely.
"Then I must send some one who will assist you in your present need," said Dr.R--; and turning away he left the room, and, getting into his chaise, rode off at a brisk pace.

In about a quarter of an hour, he returned with a woman who took charge of the body of the child, and performed for it the last sad offices that the dead require.
Upon close inquiry, he ascertained from Mrs.Gaston that she was in a state of extreme destitution; that so far from having the means to bury her dead child, she was nearly without food to give to her living ones.