and Bess, grew pale, and Bess cried, almost
for the first time since the strange week began. Robert was the first to
break the grief with a quiet word. He raised his head, saying:

"I do not believe Clara is going to die when I do."

"Why, father, what makes you think that?" cried Alice.

"I don't know; I can't give any exact reason. I only know that I don't
believe it will happen."

"God grant that she may be spared to us," said Mrs. Hardy. "O Robert, it
is more than I can bear! Only to-day and to-morrow left! It can't be
real. I have battled against your dream all the week. It was a dream
only; I will not believe it to be anything else. You are not ill; there
is no indication that you are going to die. I will not, I cannot,
believe it! God is too good. And we need you now, Robert. Let us pray
God for mercy."

Robert shook his head sadly but firmly.

"No, Mary; I cannot resist an impression so strong that it has become
conviction, that in some way I shall be called from you Sunday night. I
have struggled against it, but it grows upon me. God is merciful. I do
not question His goodness. How much did I deserve even this week of
preparation after the life I have lived? And the time will not be long
before we shall all meet there. God grant that it may be an unbroken
company!"

Mr. Hardy spoke as anyone in his condition would. The children drew
about him lovingly. Bess climbed into his lap and laid her face against
her father's, while the strong man sobbed as he thought of all the years
of neglected affection in that family circle. The rest of the evening
was spent in talking over the probable future.

George, who seemed thoroughly humbled now, listened respectfully and even
tearfully to his father's counsel concerning the direction of business
and family matters. The boy was going through a struggle with himself
which was apparent to all in the house. Ever since his mother had seen
him kneeling down in the night watch, he had shown a new spirit. It
remained to be seen whether he had really changed, or whether he had been
merely frightened for the time being into good behaviour.

Saturday morning found the Hardys weary with the agitation of the week,
but bearing up under a strange excitement which only the prospect of the
father's approaching death or removal could have produced.

Robert could not realise that his week was almost at an end. Why, it
seemed but yesterday that he had drea