Low sobs came gaspingly from my bosom, on which a mountain of ice seemed freezing.
"If we could die together," she continued, with increasing solemnity, "if I could bear you in these feeble arms to the mercy-seat of God, and know you were safe from temptation, and sorrow, and sin, the bitterness of death would be passed.

It is a fearful thing to live, my child, far more fearful than to die,--but life is the trial of faith, and death the victory." "And now," she added, "before my spirit wings its upward flight, receive my dying injunction.

If you live to years of womanhood, and your heart awakens to love,--as, alas, for woman's destiny it will,--then read my life and sad experience, and be warned by my example.

Mrs.Linwood is intrusted with the manuscript, blotted with your mother's tears.

Oh, Gabriella, by all your love and reverence for the memory of the dead,--by the scarlet dye that can be made white as wool,--by your own hope in a Saviour's mercy, forgive the living,--if living _he_ indeed be!" Her eyes closed as she uttered these words, and a purplish gloom gathered beneath her eyes.