‘My children,’ said Amos, taking Chubby in his arms, ’God is going to take away your dear mamma from us.  She wants to see you to say good-bye.  You must try to be very good and not cry.’

He could say no more, but turned round to see if Nanny was there with Walter, and then led the way up-stairs, leading Dickey with the other hand.  Mrs. Hackit followed with Sophy and Patty, and then came Nanny with Walter and Fred.

It seemed as if Milly had heard the little footsteps on the stairs, for when Amos entered her eyes were wide open, eagerly looking towards the door.  They all stood by the bedside—­Amos nearest to her, holding Chubby and Dickey.  But she motioned for Patty to come first, and clasping the poor pale child by the hand, said,—­’Patty, I’m going away from you.  Love your papa.  Comfort him; and take care of your little brothers and sisters.  God will help you.’

Patty stood perfectly quiet, and said, ‘Yes, mamma.’

The mother motioned with her pallid lips for the dear child to lean towards her and kiss her; and then Patty’s great anguish overcame her, and she burst into sobs.  Amos drew her towards him and pressed her head gently to him, while Milly beckoned Fred and Sophy, and said to them more faintly,—­’Patty will try to be your mamma when I am gone, my darlings.  You will be good and not vex her.’

They leaned towards her, and she stroked their fair heads, and kissed their tear-stained cheeks.  They cried because mamma was ill and papa looked so unhappy; but they thought, perhaps next week things would be as they used to be again.

The little ones were lifted on the bed to kiss her.  Little Walter said, ‘Mamma, mamma’, and stretched out his fat arms and smiled; and Chubby seemed gravely wondering; but Dickey, who had been looking fixedly at her, with lip hanging down, ever since he came into the room, now seemed suddenly pierced with the idea that mamma was going away somewhere; his little heart swelled and he cried aloud.

Then Mrs. Hackit and Nanny took them all away.  Patty at first begged to stay at home and not go to Mrs. Bond’s again; but when Nanny reminded her that she had better go to take care of the younger ones, she submitted at once, and they were all packed in the pony-carriage once more.

Milly kept her eyes shut for some time after the children were gone.  Amos had sunk on his knees, and was holding her hand while he watched her face.  By-and-by she opened her eyes, and, drawing him close to her, whispered slowly,—­’My dear—­dear—­husband—­you have been—­very—­good to me.  You—­have—­made me—­very—­happy.’

She spoke no more for many hours.  They watched her breathing becoming more and more difficult, until evening deepened into night, and until midnight was past.  About half-past twelve she seemed to be trying to speak, and they leaned to catch her words.  ’Music—­music—­didn’t you hear it?’

Amos knelt by the bed and held her hand in his.  He did not believe in his sorrow.  It was a bad dream.  He did not know when she was gone.  But Mr. Brand, whom Mrs. Hackit had sent for before twelve o’clock, thinking that Mr. Barton might probably need his help, now came up to him, and said,—­’She feels no more pain now.  Come, my dear sir, come with me.’