I took her by the hand, and said: "My good friend, all is right, and as the Lord of wisdom and mercy directs." "Oh! my Betsy, my dear girl, is so bad, sir.

What shall I do without her?
I thought I should have gone first to the grave, but--" "But the Lord sees good that, before you die yourself, you should behold your child safe home to glory.

Is there no mercy in this ?" "O, dear sir! I am very old and very weak, and she is a dear child, the staff and prop of such a poor old creature as I am." As I advanced, I saw Elizabeth sitting by the fireside, supported in an arm-chair by pillows, with every mark of rapid decline and approaching death.

A sweet smile of friendly complacency enlightened her pale countenance as she said: "This is very kind indeed, sir, to come so soon after I sent to you.

You find me daily wasting away, and I cannot have long to continue here.