I must go to-night, or I shall never behold him again.

I must bless him before I die.

I have strength enough to drag myself there, and I do not want to return." "Be pacified, sweet soul," said Wood, looking meaningly at Thames; "you _shall_ go, and I will accompany you." "A mother's blessing on you," replied Mrs.Sheppard, fervently.

"And now," she added, with somewhat more composure, "leave me, dear friends, I entreat, for a few minutes to collect my scattered thoughts--to prepare myself for what I have to go through--to pray for my son." "Shall we do so ?" whispered Winifred to her father.
"By all means," returned Wood; "don't delay an instant." And, followed by the young couple, who gazed wistfully at the poor sufferer, he hastily quitted the room, and locked the door after him.
Mrs.Sheppard was no sooner alone than she fell upon her knees by the side of the couch, and poured forth her heart in prayer.

So absorbed was she by her passionate supplications that she was insensible to anything passing around her, until she felt a touch upon her shoulder, and heard a well-known voice breathe in her ear--"Mother!" She started at the sound as if an apparition had called her, screamed, and fell into her son's outstretched arms.