“The Lord’s my Shepherd, I’ll not want. 
    He makes me down to lie
  In pastures green; he leadeth me
    The quiet waters by.”

Her voice trembled, but there was a happy ring to it withal, and presently she saw that he slept again, his face looking happy and peaceful as it rested on the pillows.

When the doctor made his usual visit, he stayed a long time in the room, and he looked very serious as he called Dexie to the door.

“You realize how ill your father is, do you not, Miss Sherwood?” and he looked earnestly into her face.  “Ah!  I see you do.  I wished to prepare you for the worst.  I will come in later in the day and see if I can be of use.”

“You think there is immediate danger, Dr. Brown?”

“He may live through the day—­not much longer, I fear.  You have been expecting this, have you not?”

“I was afraid of it,” and she hid her face in her hands.

“Is there anyone I can send for, for you?  If I can be of use in any way, Miss Sherwood, command me.”

“Someone must tell mamma; she does not believe the end is so very near.  Would you do it?  Does papa know it himself, doctor?” she added, after a pause.

“Yes, and he wished me to make it known to the rest.  Be brave a little while longer.  Now, go back to your father.  You can rely on Jarvis; she knows what to do, and has been through many trying scenes before to-day.”

“Shall we send for you if—­” She could not say it, but the doctor knew what she meant.

“Yes, if you like.  I can do little, if anything, more; but he will not suffer any.  Now I will see your mother,” and he turned and left her to her grief.

It took some time for Mrs. Sherwood to fully realize the truth, for she listened to the doctor as if dazed.  It was the first trouble that had ever really touched her, and at the suggestion of Jarvis she went to her room, where by degrees she grew calmer, as the terrible truth came home to heart that she was soon to be left a widow and her children fatherless.

When Louie came into her father’s room a few moments later, and learned the truth, she threw her arms around Dexie’s neck and wept with her.  This was the darkest hour they had ever known.  But there was no time to indulge in grief at present—­that would come later—­and Dexie whispered: 

“Take Gussie up to her room, Louie, and tell her there, and do not let her come down till she is quiet.  Warn Georgie not to go away from the house; papa may ask for him any minute.  I am so thankful the doctor has told mamma!  Watch the door, Louie, and when the minister calls to-day try and persuade mamma to see him.  She would not see him the last time he was here.  Oh, dear!  I shall be so glad when Guy comes in!”

“Give me one little bit of comfort to cheer my heart this sad day, Dexie.  Tell me, what is Guy Traverse to you—­do, Dexie?”

“Dear Louie, you shall know, if you think it will comfort you any.  He is my promised husband.”