Page:Ethel Churchill 2.pdf/145

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ETHEL CHURCHILL.
143

had clasped theirs relax their faint pressure, and again Henrietta wiped away the cold dews that stood on her forehead. She lay for some minutes motionless, save when the heavy eyelids were slowly raised, and her dim eyes yet dwelt fondly on those who watched her least movement. All at once her eyes kindled, and she again raised herself, with a little of Henrietta's instant assistance. Constance put her hand under the pillow, and drew from thence a small Bible.

"Father!" exclaimed she, "this has been my constant companion, let it henceforth be yours. May it teach you, even as it has taught me, the blessed hope in which I die: we shall meet again in a happier and a better world! Henrietta, dear and kind friend, think some times of the peace and faith which support me even in death. Father, my beloved father! could I leave you as I do, with words of comfort, but for that Divine belief whose trust is immortal! God bless you!"

She sank back, fainting; but this time it was Norbourne's arm that supported her: once