“I came to see you, Helen:  I heard you were very ill, and I could not sleep till I had spoken to you.”

“You came to bid me good-bye, then:  you are just in time probably.”

“Are you going somewhere, Helen?  Are you going home?”

“Yes; to my long home —­ my last home.”

“No, no, Helen!” I stopped, distressed.  While I tried to devour my tears, a fit of coughing seized Helen; it did not, however, wake the nurse; when it was over, she lay some minutes exhausted; then she whispered —

“Jane, your little feet are bare; lie down and cover yourself with my quilt.”

I did so:  she put her arm over me, and I nestled close to her.  After a long silence, she resumed, still whispering —

“I am very happy, Jane; and when you hear that I am dead, you must be sure and not grieve:  there is nothing to grieve about.  We all must die one day, and the illness which is removing me is not painful; it is gentle and gradual:  my mind is at rest.  I leave no one to regret me much:  I have only a father; and he is lately married, and will not miss me.  By dying young, I shall escape great sufferings.  I had not qualities or talents to make my way very well in the world:  I should have been continually at fault.”

“But where are you going to, Helen?  Can you see?  Do you know?”

“I believe; I have faith:  I am going to God.”

“Where is God?  What is God?”

“My Maker and yours, who will never destroy what He created.  I rely implicitly on His power, and confide wholly in His goodness:  I count the hours till that eventful one arrives which shall restore me to Him, reveal Him to me.”

“You are sure, then, Helen, that there is such a place as heaven, and that our souls can get to it when we die?”

“I am sure there is a future state; I believe God is good; I can resign my immortal part to Him without any misgiving.  God is my father; God is my friend:  I love Him; I believe He loves me.”

“And shall I see you again, Helen, when I die?”

“You will come to the same region of happiness:  be received by the same mighty, universal Parent, no doubt, dear Jane.”

Again I questioned, but this time only in thought.  “Where is that region?  Does it exist?” And I clasped my arms closer round Helen; she seemed dearer to me than ever; I felt as if I could not let her go; I lay with my face hidden on her neck.  Presently she said, in the sweetest tone —

“How comfortable I am!  That last fit of coughing has tired me a little; I feel as if I could sleep:  but don’t leave me, Jane; I like to have you near me.”

“I’ll stay with you, dear Helen:  no one shall take me away.”

“Are you warm, darling?”

“Yes.”

“Good-night, Jane.”

“Good-night, Helen.”

She kissed me, and I her, and we both soon slumbered.