I know I should do it again." "Then take my place with Helen in the morning.

I will make the report myself." Hester clung to her sister, begging and imploring.
"Don't, Hannah, oh, don't--you will kill her." "I will at least speak the truth." In the morning she had a cruel report to bear to the mother, and she braced herself for the trial.

When she returned from her mission, Hester was waiting, pale and trembling, in the hall.

She whispered: "Oh, how did she take it--that poor, desolate mother ?" Hannah's eyes were swimming in tears.

She said: "God forgive me, I told her the child was well!" Hester gathered her to her heart, with a grateful "God bless you, Hannah!" and poured out her thankfulness in an inundation of worshiping praises.
After that, the two knew the limit of their strength, and accepted their fate.