'Ellen,' I would say, 'life is a blessing as long as God gives it, and it is our duty to consider it so.' "'Yes, Miss Janet, but if God give me a better life, shall I not esteem it a greater blessing?
I have not deserved shame and reproach, and I cannot live under it.

Right glad and happy am I, that a few sods of earth will soon cover all.' "Such remarks as these," continued Cousin Janet, "convinced me that there was grief, but not guilt, on Ellen's breast, and for her own sake, I hoped that she would so explain to me her past history, that I should have it in my power to clear her reputation.

But she never did.

Truly, 'she died and made no sign,' and it is reserved to a future day to do her justice.
"I said she died.

That last night wore on, and no word of impatience or complaint escaped her lips.