A blessing, like the kiss of a mother, seemed to alight on my soul; a calm, deeper than that which accompanies a hope deferred, bathed my spirit.

I sank far into the waters, and sought not to return.

I felt as if once more the great arms of the beech-tree were around me, soothing me after the miseries I had passed through, and telling me, like a little sick child, that I should be better to-morrow.

The waters of themselves lifted me, as with loving arms, to the surface.

I breathed again, but did not unclose my eyes.