one who will be a great man some day. That boy has an
artist's soul within him; he will rise to fame."

"I should like to save him for the sake of that little patient maiden
who is watching him. What a touching face the child has, and how she
seemed to be hanging on every look of mine!"

"Poor little Madge, she loves him better than herself."

For a few days, Raymond hung between life and death; then Dr. Morton's
face looked even graver than before. Madge saw that he had no hope.

On Sunday evening, she was sitting beside her brother, watching the
fluttering breath, which seemed every instant as if it must cease
altogether; when suddenly Raymond opened his eyes. "Madge."

"Yes, dear."

"I've been asleep a long time, and I'm so tired."

"You must try to sleep again, darling Raymond."

A bewildered look passed over the boy's face, then he said eagerly,
"Madge, am I going to die?"

She put her face close down to his, and said gently, "We must not talk
now, dear; try to sleep again."

He was silent for a few minutes, then the words came thick and fast.

"Madge, I've not been a good brother to you; I meant to have been, but I
have thought and thought of nothing but myself. I ought to have gone to
the shop. I ought not to have let you want. O Madge! if I might but
live, if I might but live!" and then tears fell one by one down the
thin, pale cheeks, and dropped on Madge's hand.

"Please, dear Raymond, lie quiet; the doctor said you must be very
quiet."

"But, Madge, it doesn't signify; I'm dying, I know I am, and I must
speak to you!" he said, raising his voice, and speaking with all the
energy of those who know that they are soon to be silent for evermore;
"what will you do? what will become of you?"

"Don't fear for me, dear brother," answered Madge, who was crying
bitterly.

"No, you love and fear God, and he will take care of you; I know he
will! O Madge, I wish I had loved him as you have; but I've been a bad
boy, and now it is too late, too late;--if I might but live!" The words
were spoken in a low, vehement whisper, and a smothered groan followed
them.

"Raymond, our dear Saviour loves you. Think of him, do not think about
yourself," and Madge's face became calm as she spoke.

A smile came over her brother's countenance, he closed his eyes and
feebly pressed her hand. Then he lay very still and motionless. Once
only his lips moved. Madge thought he said, "Mother!" Then all was
silent as the grave