“I was beside her in an instant.  The child was in convulsions.

“Then followed a scene of wild confusion.  Every thing was immediately done for the little sufferer that could be thought of, in the moment of terror, and the best medical advice called in.

“But our efforts were unavailing.  When the gray morning light stole in at the window, little Lina lay like a waxen lily, and her spirit had returned to Him who gave it.  While I, her unhappy mother, could not grieve now that this was so, but rather felt thankful that she was sheltered in the loving arms of the Good Shepherd.  For her there was no more sorrow, nor crying, neither was there any more pain.

“When the funeral rites were over, and I could think calmly, continued the lady, I realized how this child’s loss would affect my future.  I had now no object to strive for.  Had my little Lina lived, God only knows how all this would have ended.  I could never have given her up to the father who did not love her.  I would have struggled desperately for my child while life lasted.  For myself, I cared not.  I had thought that night, when my innocent darling was so suddenly taken from me, of fleeing away with her to some place of safety, until this storm had passed, but now that she was no more, I had no fears.

“I knew, though, that a change must come soon.  My husband was resolute and never abandoned a purpose once formed.  I was fully aware that I need not expect any mercy at his hands, neither that our mutual loss would soften his heart.  It had, indeed, quite a contrary effect.

“‘There is now no obstacle to a separation,’ he said, once, speaking of our differences.  ’We have now no longer any interest in common.  If you will go your way, quietly and peaceably, I will provide for your wants, by settling a life-long annuity upon you.  Of course this sum would not be large, for you will not require a great deal to sustain you in comparative comfort.  Now, that you have no means of your own, of course you must expect to live in a different manner from that to which you have been accustomed.  And a divorced woman will not be expected to make a very lavish display either.  I trust that your own good sense will teach you the necessity of living in as retired a manner as possible.  Furthermore, I shall expressly stipulate that you remove to a considerable distance from your former home.  I do not wish any fresh scandal to give the gossips a continual feast.  If you submit to my conditions we can effect this quietly.  If not, then it is war between us.’

“‘And a court of justice to decide for the right,’ I added.