Go, now--I--have
provided--for you--see--that you provide--for the eternal future," he
said, with difficulty.
Helen kissed the hand already shadowed by the approach of death, and
left the room, weeping.
"It is horrible!" she exclaimed, almost shrieking, as she threw herself
on the bed, after she reached her apartment. "I hope he will not send
for me again. I never loved this harsh, bitter old man, nor do I
intend to risk my happiness by promising impossibilities. I'll go to
confession, and all that, when I am ready, and not before. Walter
detests Catholics; and if he thought I was still one, he'd never wed
me. But it cannot last long--I shall soon be free; and, once Jerrold's
wife, I can practise my religion if I choose. At any rate, I shall
_die a Catholic_!"
It was midnight. All was silent in the death-chamber. The night-taper
was placed behind a screen; and the fire-light flickered with a
tremulous motion on the richly-carved, antique furniture, black and
polished by age, and creeping upwards, threw long, wavering shadows on
the wall. Amidst this solemn twilight, a table spread with white,
which supported a crucifix, wax lights, and flowers, stood near the
sick man's bed. A guest was expected ere long--a divine and honored
guest was coming into the shadowy room where death held his awful
presence, to strengthen and console that penitent spirit on is passage
to eternity, when, like Elias, after his miraculous repast,
strengthened and courageous, it would walk with humble, but sure steps
towards its eternal Horeb!
May knelt by her uncle's side, with his hand clasped in hers, praying,
and whispering sweet words of cheer.
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