Tell him that I passed away loving and forgiving.' 'My time is short,' I said; 'awake and listen!' for having spoken thus she seemed to be sinking into a lethargy.

'I was the assistant of that Andres de Fonseca whose counsel you put aside to your ruin, and I have given a certain drug to the abbess yonder.

When she offers you the cup of water, see that you drink and deep, you and the child.

If so none shall ever die more happily.

Do you understand ?' 'Yes--yes,' she gasped, 'and may blessings rest upon you for the gift.
Now I am no more afraid--for I have long desired to die--it was the way I feared.' 'Then farewell, and God be with you, unhappy woman.' 'Farewell,' she answered softly, 'but call me not unhappy who am about to die thus easily with that I love.' And she glanced at the sleeping babe.
Then I drew back and stood with bent head, speaking no word.