"I will get the doctor at once from Lower Wood,--he is the nearest." "No, Marianne, I thank you, I know my condition," said the sick woman soothingly, "it is a cramp in my heart, which often comes and this time more terribly than usual, and so, my good Marianne, I wanted to tell you that if I am no longer here tomorrow, will you give this," (and she gave a small paper to Marianne), "to him who has to prepare for my last resting-place.

It is the only thing that I leave, and which I have saved for a long time, so that I need not be buried in a pauper's grave.

That must not be, for my father's sake," she added, very softly.
"Dear, dear Lord!" Marianne lamented, "grant that it may not be that! Do think of the dear little boy! Dear Mrs.Dorn, do not take it amiss, I have never before asked anything at all, but if you leave nothing, what have I to do with the dear boy?
Has he no relatives?
Has he no father ?" The mother looked at the sleeping Erick, who, with his golden curls encircling his rosy face, lay there so peacefully and so carefree.

She put her hand on his forehead--for his narrow bed stood quite close to hers--and said softly: "On earth you have no father any more, my child, but above in heaven there lives a Father who will not forsake you.

I have given you long since to Him.