"Don't; oh, don't talk so, Fanny. She's not going to die. It's
only because she's a little light-headed."

"Why is she light-headed, Joe?"

"It's the fever--only the fever, Fanny."

"It was the blow, and the wound on her head, that caused the
fever. How do we know the extent of injury on the brain? Doctor
Green looked very serious. I'm afraid, husband, that the worst is
before us. I've borne and suffered a great deal--only God knows
how much--I pray that I may have strength to bear this trial also.
Dear child! She is better fitted for heaven than for earth, and it
may be that God is about to take her to Himself. She's been a
great comfort to me--and to you, Joe, more like a guardian angel
than a child."

Mrs. Morgan had tried to speak very firmly; but as sentence
followed sentence, her voice lost more and more of its even tone.
With the closing words all self-control vanished; and she wept
bitterly. What could her feeble, erring husband do, but weep with
her?

"Joe,"--Mrs. Morgan aroused herself as quickly as possible, for
she had that to say which she feared she might not have the heart
to utter--"Joe, if Mary dies, you cannot forget the cause of her
death."

"Oh, Fanny! Fanny!"