Steig' empor, o Morgenroth, und röthe
Mit purpurnem Küsse Hain und Feld!
Säus'le nieder, Abendroth und Flöte
Sanft in Schlummer die erstorb'ne Welt;
Morgen--ach! Du röthest
Eine Todtensflor,
Ach! und du, o Abendroth! umflötest
Meinen langen Schlummer nur.
SCHILLER.
"There is no one in the verandah," said Mr. Haveloc, coming back to the
side of Aveline. "It was your fancy. You have not yet forgotten the
gipsy."
Aveline smiled, and signed to him to take a chair close to the sofa.
"I am easy now," she said. "I will not move again." He looked anxiously
at her, and thought there was something strange in the expression of her
features. It seemed as if she had lost her control over them, and that
her smile was involuntary.
"Mamma!" said she suddenly, in a quick, sharp tone.
Her mother hastened to her side.
"Keep close to me, mamma," she said.
Mrs. Fitzpatrick, seated on the side of the sofa, held her daughter's
hand.
"Do you feel worse, my love?" she whispered.
"No; better," returned Aveline, in a clear voice.
Mrs. Fitzpatrick trembled excessively, but controlled all other sign of
emotion. She looked anxiously at Mr. Haveloc, as she often did, to read
his opinion. His eyes were fixed on the ground.
"Mr. Haveloc," said Aveline, in a voice perfectly free from emotion,
"you will recollect to tell Mr. Fletcher that Mr. Lucas was very kind,
and gave me much comfort."
"He returns to-morrow. I hope you will be well enough to see him
yourself," said Mr. Haveloc.
Aveline looked at him, and marked the unquiet expression of his face.
"See how few wishes I have," said she; "how everything has been
anticipated by your kindness," turning her eyes upon her mother. "I have
nothing left to say at this hour."
Mrs. Fitzpatrick, as white as marble, pressed her daughter's hand to her
lips.
Mr. Haveloc, struck with awe at the presentiment which seemed to fall
upon them all, did not venture to speak.
"Mamma--little Jane," said Aveline, after a pause.
"Yes, my love; you know we arranged that matter the other day," said
Mrs. Fitzpatrick, with wonderful calmness.
"Yes--yes," said Aveline.
"I think," said Mr. Haveloc, looking at Mrs. Fitzpatrick, "I had better
ring for Mrs. Grant."
"Who's that?" asked Aveline quickly. "It was I who spoke," said Mr.
Haveloc. "I wished to send for your nurse, for I do not like you to be
up at this hour."
"No--no; do not move me," said Aveline.
"It shall be as you like; but I know you will not sleep here," said Mr.
Haveloc.
"No more sleep," said Aveline, as if to herself.
She remained with her eyes fixed on the ceiling, where, owing to some
reflection of the lights, there was a broad luminous spot.
There was a long, deep silence. Mrs. Fitzpatrick was praying inwardly.
Aveline still remained with her eyes uplifted, breathing short and
quick.
All at once the stillness was broken by her voice repeating, in a
distinct tone--
"'Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear
no evil; for thou art with me. Thy rod and thy staff comfort me.'"
Those who have watched by a sick person only can tell with what
touching solemnity the words of Scripture will appear invested when
coming suddenly from their lips in the stillness of night.
Mrs. Fitzpatrick's firmness gave way; she burst into tears. Aveline made
no remark. She did not seem to notice her companions.
At last she said, in allusion to their conversation sometime ago.
"But nurse may come."
Mrs. Fitzpatrick rang the bell. Mrs. Grant entered; but Aveline was
again abstracted.
The good old woman sat down behind the sofa, making a sign to them to be
silent. She had seen for some days better than any one that the end was
approaching.
"Is the tide down, Mr. Haveloc?" asked Aveline, with difficulty.
Mrs. Grant shuddered. The superstition, respecting the influence of the
tides over the dying is well known. She profoundly believed that her
young lady would be released when the tide changed.
Mr. Haveloc walked to the window, and looked out. The long range of low
green rocks, was not yet quite uncovered by the ebbing waves. The moon
gleamed over their slippery surface, and the water rose and fell
bubbling among their crevices.
"Not quite yet," said he coming back to the couch.
"Not quite yet," she repeated. Then with a stronger effort, she said, "I
wished to thank you both."
"My dearest!" said Mrs. Fitzpatrick bending over her.
"You are not crying!" said Aveline, trying to draw her hand in a
caressing manner over her mother's face; "not for me!"
"No, not for you, my child," said Mrs. Fitzpatrick.
"Mamma, it is coming," said Aveline, almost inaudibly. "What, is
coming, my love?" asked her mother.
Aveline made no answer--all her senses seemed to have failed her at
once.
"God be praised!" said Mrs. Grant, rising with the dignity, that true
emotion always gives: "God be praised! she is now an angel in Heaven!"