Do not chide me for entertaining an unfounded fancy.

Ellen, dear Ellen, I look to you, under heaven, to support my mother under this affliction.

I look to your fond cares to subdue the pang of parting.

You alone of her children will be left near her, and you can do much to comfort and soothe not only her, but my father; they will mourn for me, nature will speak, though I go to joy inexpressible, unutterable! Ellen, speak to me; will you not do this, my sister, my friend ?" "Give me but a moment," she murmured almost inaudibly, as, overpowered by increasing faintness, she sunk down on a grassy bank near them, and buried her face in her hands.

Minutes rolled by, and still there was silence.