“My dear child, I think the hour of my departure has arrived.  I feel that I am dying.”

I now observed that look upon the countenance of my mother which tells us that a loved friend is no longer ours.  She requested me to call Aunt Patience, which I instantly did.  I also sent a hasty summons to her physician, although it was needless, for she was even then entering the dark valley.  The physician soon arrived, and after one look at my mother, said to me, in a low voice,—­

“My dear Miss Roscom, as a physician, I can be of no further use, but as a friend, I will remain with you.”

The physician was an old and valued friend, being the same who had stood by the death-bed of my father, and he deeply sympathized with me in this, my second bereavement.

As I stood by my mother, my grief was not noisy; it was far too deep and powerful for that.  Outwardly, I was quite calm.  My mother had endeavored to prepare my mind for this hour.  I had also prayed for strength to meet it with fortitude and resignation; but those who have stood by the dying bed of a fond mother may understand my sorrow.  My mother was spared much of the suffering which attends the last moments of many.  She seemed to be softly breathing her life away.  After lying for some time tranquil and quiet, she suddenly opened her eyes and looked from one to the other of us.  As they rested upon me, she made a sign that I should go nearer to her.

“Weep not, my dear child,” said she, in a whisper; “be faithful, and you will yet meet me in heaven.”

She also addressed a few words of like import to Aunt Patience.  Suddenly, she raised her hands, and, as she looked upward, with a smile upon her countenance, we heard a sigh—­and her spirit had returned unto God Who gave it.

I was borne from the apartment in a state of insensibility, and, when I awoke to consciousness, the doctor and Aunt Patience were standing at my bedside.  After administering a quieting draught, the physician left us, saying to Aunt Patience that she must try and induce me to sleep, as that would help to restore my shattered nerves.  Aunt Patience sat by me during the long hours of that night, but it was not until the day began to dawn that I sank into a heavy slumber, from which I did not awake until a late hour in the morning.  On first awaking, it seemed to me that I had had a frightful dream; but, as my mind became more clear, I realized the sad truth that my mother was no more.  I heard a footstep enter my room, and soon a familiar voice addressed me, saying,—­

“My dear Clara, I have come to see if I can be of any assistance to you in your sorrow.”