Soon afterwards her bodily strength failed her also, and then she knew that her time had come, and that she was to lay down her burden for ever.

But her burden had become dear, and she clung to it.

She could not look upon the child and think it, that she, who had spent her strength for her from the first, must leave her now to other love and tending.

So she betook herself to an upper room, and gave strict orders to Fatimah and Habeebah that Naomi was to be kept from her altogether, that sight of the child's helpless happy face might tempt her soul no more.
And there in her death-chamber Israel sat with her constantly, settling his countenance steadfastly, and coming and going softly.

He was more constant than a slave, and more tender than a woman.