may live for three or four days; but I sent for you that I
might put my house in order. There are only two people that I care for
upon earth--that is you and my poor Peter; and all I have I mean to
leave between you. I have signed a paper already, in case you could not
come, but now that you are come, I will tell you all I wish; but give me
some of that drink first."

Mary having read the directions on the label, poured out a wine-glass of
the mixture, and gave it to Mrs Chopper, who swallowed it, and then
proceeded, taking a paper from under her pillow--

"Nancy! this is the paper I told you of. I have about 700 pounds in the
bank, which is all that I have saved in twenty-two years; but it has
been honestly made. I have, perhaps, much more owing to me, but I do
not want it to be collected. Poor sailors have no money to spare, and I
release them all. You will see me buried, Nancy, and tell poor Peter
how I loved him, and I have left my account books, with my bad debts and
good debts, to him. I am sure he would like to have them, for he knows
the history of every sum-total, and he will look over them and think of
me. You can sell this furniture; but the wherry you must give to
William; he is not very honest, but he has a large family to keep. Do
what you like, dearest, about what is here; perhaps my clothes would be
useful to his wife; they are not fit for you. There's a good deal of
money in the upper drawer; it will pay for my funeral and the doctor. I
believe that is all now; but do tell poor Peter how I loved him. Poor
fellow, I have been cheated ever since he left; but that's no matter.
Now, Nancy, dear, read to me a little. I have so longed to have you by
my bedside to read to me, and pray for me! I want to hear you pray
before I die. It will make me happy to hear you pray, and see that kind
face looking up to heaven, as it was always meant to do." Poor Mary
burst into tears. After a few minutes she became more composed, and,
dropping down on her knees by the side of the bed, she opened the Prayer
Book, and complied with the request of Mrs Chopper; and as she
fervently poured forth her supplication, occasionally her voice
faltered, and she would stop to brush away the tears which dimmed her
sight. She was still so occupied when the door of the room was gently
opened, and a lady, with a girl about fourteen or fifteen years old,
quietly entered the room. Mary did not perceive them until they also