Page:Ethel Churchill 2.pdf/144

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142
ETHEL CHURCHILL.

tive drops into a glass of water, he held it to her lips, while Lady Marchmont bathed her temples with essence.

Either they they revived her, or expiring nature felt the unconquerable strength of love mighty even to the last. She sat half upright, supported on Henrietta's shoulder; and, taking her father's hand, she clasped it with her husband's.

"He will be your child," said she: "my remembrance will be the link to bind you together. My beloved father, you owe him a debt only affection can repay. Think how kind he has always been to your wearied and suffering child: night after night he has watched over me; day after day he has given up pleasures and occupations to yield me the only enjoyment of which I was capable—the conscious happiness of his presence. And you, dearest Norbourne, will you not cling to his old age like a dear and only son? Love him, were it only for the great love that I have borne unto you!"

Again her head dropped on the pillow, and her father and husband felt the hands that