All that I have is at your disposal.

You may command me in anything.

Give yourself no uneasiness respecting the future of your mother and family, let the result to your father be what it may: always bear in mind that, next to God, I am your best friend.

I speak thus frankly to you, Esther, because I would not have you cherish any hopes of your father's recovery; from his appearance, I should say there is but little, if any.

I leave to you, my good girl, the task of breaking this sad news to your mother and sister; I would tell them, but I must confess, Esther, I'm not equal to it, the events of the last day or two have almost overpowered me." Esther's lips quivered again, as she repeated the words, "Little hope; did the doctor say that ?" she asked.
"I did not see the doctor," replied he; "perhaps there may be a favourable change during the night.