than here, and I know it now."

"Where my blessed father is," said Richard, thoughtfully. "But oh,
Carloman, you are so young to die!"

"I do not want to live. This is a fighting, hard world, full of cruel
people; and it is peace there. You are strong and brave, and will make
them better; but I am weak and fearful--I could only sigh and grieve."

"Oh, Carloman! Carloman! I cannot spare you. I love you like my own
brother. You must not die--you must live to see your father and mother
again!"

"Commend me to them," said Carloman. "I am going to my Father in heaven.
I am glad I am here, Richard; I never was so happy before. I should have
been afraid indeed to die, if Father Lucas had not taught me how my sins
are pardoned. Now, I think the Saints and Angels are waiting for me."

He spoke feebly, and his last words faltered into sleep. He slept on;
and when supper was brought, and the lamps were lighted, Fru Astrida
thought the little face looked unusually pale and waxen; but he did not
awake. At night, they carried him to his bed, and he was roused into a
half conscious state, moaning at being disturbed. Fru Astrida would not
leave him, and Father Lucas shared her watch.

At midnight, all were wakened by the slow notes, falling one by one on
the ear, of the solemn passing-bell, calling them to waken, that their
prayers might speed a soul on its way. Richard and Lothaire were soon at
the bedside. Carloman lay still asleep, his hands folded on his breast,
but his breath came in long gasps. Father Lucas was praying over him,
and candles were placed on each side of the bed. All was still, the boys
not daring to speak or move. There came a longer breath--then they heard
no more. He was, indeed, gone to a happier home--a truer royalty than
ever had been his on earth.

Then the boys' grief burst out. Lothaire screamed for his mother, and
sobbed out that he should die too--he must go home. Richard stood by the
bed, large silent tears rolling down his cheeks, and his chest heaving
with suppressed sobs.

Fru Astrida led them from the room, back to their beds. Lothaire soon
cried himself to sleep. Richard lay awake, sorrowful, and in deep
thought; while that scene in St. Mary's, at Rouen, returned before his
eyes, and though it had passed nearly two years ago, its meaning and its
teaching had sunk deep into his mind, and now stood before him more
completely.

"Where shall I go, when I come to die, if