I am sure you know that, Katie.' 'Mamma, I know I am going to die.

Oh, mamma, don't say anything now, don't cry now--dear, dear mamma; I don't say it to make you unhappy; but you know when I am so ill I ought to think about it, ought I not, mamma ?' 'But, Katie, the doctor says that he thinks you are not so dangerously ill; you should not, therefore, despond; it will increase your illness, and hinder your chance of getting well.
That would be wrong, wouldn't it, love ?' 'Mamma, I feel that I shall never again be well, and therefore--' It was useless telling Mrs.Woodward not to cry; what else could she do?
'Dear mamma, I am so sorry to make you unhappy, but you are my own mamma, and therefore I must tell you.

I can be happy still, mamma, if you will let me talk to you about it.' 'You shall talk, dearest; I will hear what you say; but oh, Katie, I cannot bear to hear you talk of dying.

I do not think you are dying.

If I did think so, my child, my trust in your goodness is so strong that I should tell you.' 'You know, mamma, it might have been much worse; suppose I had been drowned, when he, when Charley, you know, saved me;' and as she mentioned his name a tear for the first time ran down each cheek; 'how much worse that would have been! think, mamma, what it would be to be drowned without a moment for one's prayers.' 'It is quite right we should prepare ourselves for death.