not
until I had advanced nearly to the bed that, with tear-blinded eyes, I
could distinguish my cousin's face. It was so deadly pale that I started
at the sight; but though pale and wan he was perfectly conscious, and
as I drew near he whispered softly,--

"I'm so glad you've come, Willie--I wanted to see you, and wish you
good-bye." There was a pause, and then more faintly he continued,--"I
want to be quite sure you've forgiven me, Willie;--Jesus has; I've asked
him."

I bent forward and kissed the white face that lay so quiet and still,
struggling to keep down my sobs, though I felt as if my heart would
break, and longing to be able to say but one word, that Aleck might know
it was I who asked his forgiveness, but longing in vain.

"You forgive me quite, Willie," murmured Aleck again.

[Illustration: WILLIE AT ALECK'S BED SIDE.]

But at the first attempt to speak, I broke down utterly, with such a
burst of pent-up grief, that to control it was impossible, and I was
hurried quickly out of the room, lest my emotion should be injurious to
Aleck; my mother herself almost carrying me down-stairs, and sorely
divided between the desire to stay and comfort me, and at the same time
to remain at her post up-stairs with my cousin.

For a few minutes, however, she remained with her arm around me, and my
head resting on her shoulder; and when, by degrees, I grew a little more
calm, though it cost a fearful effort, I contrived to sob out my
confession, and let her know how wicked I had been, and also how
miserable. I could see it was a terrible shock to her when she grasped
my meaning, and she did not attempt to disguise the pain it cost her.
For the first time in my life I saw my mother shed tears. But the
knowledge of my guilt seemed to add to her pity for me.

"My poor little Willie," she said; "you have indeed had a terrible load
upon your heart; your punishment has come more quickly upon you and more
heavily than sometimes happens: but remember there is One whose blood
cleanses from all sin--the heavenly Father's ear is open to you, Willie,
through Jesus, and you must get forgiveness where those who really seek
it are never turned away."

"I wanted to tell Aleck, mamma, too; but I couldn't."

"There is no need to trouble Aleck about that now," said my mother
sorrowfully: "the ship seems a little thing to him now, Willie; his
thoughts are on the great things of eternity. It might agitate him, and
it would not make hi