I am too weak to aid you." Jack again seized the bar, and, dashing it furiously against the door, speedily burst it open.
The unfortunate woman was stretched upon the floor, with a bloody knife in her hand.
"Mother!" cried Jack, springing towards her.
"Jack!" she cried, raising her head.

"Is it you ?" "It is," replied her son, "Oh! why would you not listen to me ?" "I was distracted," replied Mrs.Sheppard, faintly.
"I have killed you," cried Jack, endeavouring to staunch the effusion of blood from her breast.

"Forgive--forgive me!" "I have nothing to forgive," replied Mrs.Sheppard.

"I alone am to blame." "Can I not carry you where you can obtain help ?" cried Jack in a agony of distress.
"It is useless," replied Mrs.Sheppard: "nothing can save me.

I die happy--quite happy in beholding you.