It conveyed the impression of a soul resigned indeed, and humble, but crushed down to the very earth with the load of mysterious bereavement, and irretrievable sorrow.
"Oh, I have killed her, I have killed my mother!" said Eric, in a hollow voice, when he came to himself.

"O God, forgive me, forgive me!" They gathered round him; they soothed, and comforted, and prayed for him; but his soul refused comfort, and all his strength appeared to have been broken down at once like a feeble reed.

At last a momentary energy returned; his eyes were lifted to the gloaming heaven where a few stars had already begun to shine, and a bright look illuminated his countenance.

They listened deeply--"Yes, mother," he murmured, in broken tones, "forgiven now, for Christ's dear sake.

O thou merciful God! Yes, there they are, and we shall meet again.