It has been a gentle and merciful release.

You need not weep for it, my child." "I think my tears are for the living rather than for the dead," answered Gertrude, with brimming eyes.

"There are but three left out of seven living yesterday, and what is to become of them ?" "We must report their case to the authorities.

There are numbers of poor children left thus orphaned, and it is hard to know what will become of them.

I will send at once to my brother-in-law, and report the matter to him.