Now, Lois, you run along; I want to talk to Helen." But the rector had more strength of purpose than his sister thought.

His keen eyes blurred once or twice in his walk to the village, and his lip almost trembled, but when he reached Mr.Denner's bedside he had a firm hand to give his friend.

The doctor had left a note for him, saying the end was near, and he read this before he went into the sick-room.
Mr.Denner had failed very perceptibly since the day before.

He looked strangely little in the great bed, and his brown eyes had grown large and bright.

But he greeted the rector with courteous cordiality, under which his faint voice faltered, and almost broke.
"How are you to-day, Denner ?" his friend said, sitting down on the edge of the bed, and taking the sick man's hand in his big warm grasp.
"Thank you," replied Mr.Denner, with labored breath, "I am doing nicely." "Has Giff been here this morning ?" asked Dr.Howe.
"Yes," the lawyer answered.