He told her why he had been so long in answering her summons, and how he had travelled night and day since receiving it; and then he questioned her closely about the whole course of Elsie's sickness--every change in her condition, from first to last--all that had been done for her--and all that she had said and done.
Adelaide told him everything; dwelling particularly on the child's restless longing for him, her earnest desire to receive his forgiveness and caress before she died, and her entreaties to her to comfort her "dear papa" when she was gone.

She told him, too, of her last will and testament, and of the little package which was, after her death, to be given to him, along with her dearly loved Bible.
He was deeply moved during this recital, sometimes sitting with his head bowed down, hiding his face in his hands; at others, rising and pacing the floor, his breast heaving with emotion, and a groan of anguish ever and anon bursting from his overburdened heart, in spite of the mighty effort he was evidently making to control himself.
But at last she was done; she had told him all that there was to tell, and for a few moments both sat silent, Adelaide weeping quietly, and he striving in vain to be calm.
At length he said, in a husky tone, "Sister Adelaide, I can never thank you as you deserve for your kindness to her--my precious child." "Oh, brother!" replied Adelaide, sobbing, "I owe her a debt of gratitude I can never pay.

She has been all my comfort in my great sorrow; she has taught me the way to heaven, and now she is going before." Then, with a burst of uncontrollable grief, she exclaimed: "Oh, Elsie! Elsie! darling child! how _can_ I give you up ?" Mr.Dinsmore hid his face, and his whole frame shook with emotion.
"My punishment is greater than I can bear!" he exclaimed in a voice choked with grief.

"Adelaide, do you not despise and hate me for my cruelty to that angel-child ?" "My poor brother, I am very sorry for you," she replied, laying her hand on his arm, while the tears trembled in her eyes.
There was a light tap at the door.

It was Doctor Barton.