s
she was; and, prostrate beside her dead child, cried, "I have deserved
thy chastening rod, for thou art the Lord, and I thy creature; deal with
me as thou seest best." Pride abased, hope crushed, heart contrite and
broken, never, never had Gabrielle been so dear to me; and during many
weeks that I watched beside her couch, as she fluctuated between life
and death, I knew that, she was an altered being, and that this bitter,
affliction had not been sent in vain. She came gently home to God, and
humbly knelt a suppliant at the mercy-throne, forever crying,

"Thou art wisest! Thou art best! Thou, alone knowest what is good for
us! Thy will be done!"

The blow had fallen heavily on Lord Treherne, but for two years my
sister lived to bless and comfort him; then it became evident to all
that the mother was about to rejoin her child in the mansions of the
blessed. She expressed a wish that Mr. Dacre should read the funeral
service over her, and he administered the last blessed consolations to
her departing spirit; no remnants of mortal weakness lurked in his heart
as he stood beside the dying, for he knew that in this world they were
as pilgrims and strangers, but in that to which Gabrielle was hastening
they would be reunited in glory--no more partings, no more tears. She
died calmly, with her hands clasped in Lord Treherne's and mine; while
Mr. Dacre knelt absorbed in prayer she passed away, and we looked on
each other in speechless sorrow, and then on what had been my young and
beautiful sister.

Of my own deep grief and lacerated heart I will not speak; Lord Treherne
required all my care and attention, nor would he hear of my quitting
him--indeed, he could scarcely bear me to be out of his sight; the heavy
infirmities of advanced years had suddenly increased since his double
bereavement, and I felt very grateful that to my humble efforts he owed
any glimpse of sunshine.

He was a severe bodily sufferer for many years, but affliction was not
sent in vain, for Lord Treherne became perfectly prepared for the awful
change awaiting him, trusting in His merits alone. Those were blessed
hours when Mr. Dacre spoke to him of the dear departed, who had only
journeyed on before--of God's ways in bringing us to Himself, chastening
pride and self-reliance, and tolerating no idol worship. Lord Treherne,
with lavish generosity, made an ample provision for his "wise little
Ruth," as he ever smilingly called me to the last. He died p