It is late." The mother did not stir.
"Esther! did you hear me ?" Slowly, more like a moving automaton than a living creature, did Mrs.Howland arise from her place, and follow her husband up to their chamber.

There, without uttering a word, she partially disrobed herself, and getting into bed, buried her tearful face in a pillow.

Mr.Howland was soon by her side.

Both lay without moving for nearly half an hour, and then the heavy respiration of the husband told that he was asleep.

The moment this was apparent, Mrs.
Howland, who had lain as still as if locked in deep slumber, crept softly from the bed, and then, with a quick, eager motion, commenced putting on a wrapper.