She had put a heavy basket on the table, and now, running forward, took Nina by the hands, and kissed her.
"We have been so sorry, all of us, to hear of your father's illness," said Ruth.
"Father is very ill," said Nina.

"He is dying." "Nay, Nina; it may be that he is not dying.

Life and death both are in the hands of God." "Yes; it is in God's hands of course; but the doctor says that he will die." "The doctors have no right to speak in that way," said Ruth, "for how can they know God's pleasure?
It may be that he will recover." "Yes; it may be," said Nina.

"It is good of you to come to me, Ruth.
I am so glad you have come.

Have you any--any--message ?" If he would only ask to be forgiven through Ruth, or even if he had sent a word that might be taken to show that he wished to be forgiven, it should suffice.
"I have--brought--a few things in a basket," said Ruth, almost apologetically.
Then Nina lifted the basket.