CHAPTER V.
"Gone before
To that unknown and silent shore."
CHARLES LAMB.
Mr. Leland, lying pale and languid on his couch, was listening intently
for the approaching footsteps of his child.
As she stole softly in, fearful of disturbing him, he lifted his head
slightly and greeted her with a tender, pitying smile and a feebly
outstretched hand.
"My darling," he whispered, drawing her to him, "my poor darling; so they
have told you? I have tried to spare you the bitter truth as long as I
could; bitter to you, love, and to me for your sake; yet the will of God
be done; He knows and will do what is best for us both."
Evelyn was making a determined effort at self-control for his dear sake,
that she might not disturb him with the knowledge that her very heart was
breaking.
"Papa," she said, with a vain endeavor to steady her tones, "dear,
dearest papa, you will surely get well; for I will pray day and night to
God to cure you; and have you not taught me that He is the hearer and
answerer of prayer, that He loves us, and that He is able to do
everything?"
"Yes, dear daughter; and it is all true, but His thoughts are not as our
thoughts; He may see best to take me now to the heavenly home toward
which you too, I hope, are traveling; best for you as well as for me.
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