Now in her misery the poor woman went to her room, and falling on her knees prayed with all her heart that she might die.

The burden laid upon her was more than she could bear.

Only one consolation could she find, that her beloved husband had not lived to share it, for she knew it would have crushed him as it crushed her.
Her father was now very old, and so feeble that everyone screened him from trouble so far as might be.

But this particular trouble could not be hid, and Barbara told him all.
"Do not give way, my dearest daughter," he said, "and above all do not seek to fly from your trial, which doubtless is sent to you for some good purpose.

Troubles that we strive to escape nearly always recoil upon our heads, whereas if they are faced, often they melt away.