Mrs.Woodward could only say that all was in God's hands, but that the physicians still encouraged them to hope the best.
One day Mrs.Woodward was sitting with a book in her usual place at the side of Katie's bed; she looked every now and again at her patient, and thought that she was slumbering; and at last she rose from her chair to creep away, so sure was she that she might be spared for a moment.

But just as she was silently rising, a thin, slight, pale hand crept out from beneath the clothes, and laid itself on her arm.
'I thought you were asleep, love,' said she.
'No, mamma, I was not asleep.

I was thinking of something.

Don't go away, mamma, just now.

I want to ask you something.' Mrs.Woodward again sat down, and taking her daughter's hand in her own, caressed it.
'I want to ask a favour of you, mamma,' said Katie.
'A favour, my darling! what is it?
you know I will do anything in my power that you ask me.' 'Ah, mamma, I do not know whether you will do this.' 'What is it, Katie?
I will do anything that is for your good.