"I have had a long and beautiful sleep. I do not think I have dreamed, but I have been so happy--so happy! My strength seems to be returning. I have not felt so well since the night of the fire. Our darling seems stronger too; it is because I am so much better. I must think of that; it is a mother's duty to keep well for her child's sake, and, dear husband, for your sake also. I do not love you less because I love our child so dearly." "I am sure of that, beloved. Should I be jealous of our child? That would be as foolish as it would be unwise." "You speak more cheerfully, Aaron. Is that because of me?" "It is because of you, beloved. We both draw life and happiness from you. Therefore get strong soon." "I shall--I feel I shall. My mind is clear; there is no weight on my heart. Before many days have passed I shall be out of bed, learning my new duties. Aaron, our child will live!" "She will live to bless and comfort us, beloved." She passed her hand over his face. "You are crying, Aaron." "They are tears of joy, Rachel, at seeing you so much better. A terrible fear has weighed me down; it is removed, thanks be to the Eternal! The world was dark till now; I dared not think of the future. Now all is well." "Am I, indeed, so much to you, dear husband?" "You are my life. As the sun is to the earth so are you to me." The wife, the husband, and the child lay in each other's embrace. "God is good," murmured Rachel. "I did so want to live, for you and for our child! But I feared, I feared; strength seemed to be departing from me. What will they do, I thought, when I am gone? But God has laid his hand upon us and blessed us. Praised be his name forever and ever!" "Amen, amen! I have not yet said my morning prayers. It is time." She sank back in bed, and he put on his taleth and phylacteries, and prayed fervently. He did not confine himself to his usual morning devotions, but sought his book for propitiatory supplications for forgiveness for transgression. "Forgive us, oh, our Father! for we have sinned; pardon us, oh, our King! for we have transgressed; for thou art ever ready to pardon and forgive. Blessed art thou, the Eternal, who is gracious and doth abundantly pardon." And while he supplicated forgiveness Rachel lay and sang a song of love. His prayers ended, Aaron folded his taleth and wound up his phylacteries, and resumed his seat by Rachel's bed. "While you slept last night, dear love," he said, "a piece of good fortune fell to my share, through our friend, Mr. Moss. I shall be able to take a servant in the house." "How glad I am!" she answered. "It distressed me greatly to know that you had everything to attend to yourself. A woman, or a girl, is so necessary!" "There is altogether a brighter outlook for us, Rachel. Do you think Prissy would do?" "She is very handy, and very willing. If you could manage until I can get up I could soon teach her."