Mr. Read and Josephine came into the hall at the bustle. "Miss Ross! may I presume to ask whither you are going, on such a night?" "To see a sick friend, sir!" returned Charley, as dictatorially. "Whom sir, and where?" "_My_ friend, and she is under _my_ protection;" said he, impatient at the detention. A carriage was waiting. Ida asked one question--"When was he attacked?" "Within three hours after we parted from you. He stayed with me at John's that night; complained before retiring, of thirst and chilliness; and awoke with a raging fever. The doctors pronounce the disease inflammation of the lungs, of the most virulent nature. He had a lucid interval this evening, and asked for you." She did not say, "Is there hope?" She knew there was none. Charley exchanged a word with the servant who opened the door, and led the way directly to the sick-chamber. Mrs. Dana met her with a tearful embrace; she saw no one else, but the figure upon the bed. But for the dark circles about the eyes and mouth, the unmistakeable signet of Death, he might have seemed in perfect health. He appeared to be asleep, until she stood at his pillow; then opened his eyes upon her horror-stricken face, and made an effort to smile. "Ida!" "_Dear_ Lynn!" His breath was short "I am almost gone. Give my farewell to Ellen,--I forgave and loved her to the last. Bury her miniature with me. I have done with earth." He closed his eyes. They brought a cordial. His wistful glance ran around the room, and returned to her. "What is it, dear Lynn?" Oh! the mournful intensity of that look! and the clammy fingers clasped hers. "_I did not think I should die so soon!_ Is Lacy here?" He came forward at her sign. "I am dying--I have not time to search for myself--see if there is any promise for me!" "Him that cometh unto me, I will in no wise cast out;'" repeated Mr. Lacy, instantly. "'He is able also, to save unto the uttermost all them, who come unto God by Him,--seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them.'" The fading eyes were re-lit with eagerness. "Is _that_ there? did He say so, or did you?" "He said it, who declares, moreover, that He is not willing for 'any to perish but that all should turn and live.'" His dying gaze was upward, and his lips moved in prayer. "To the uttermost--the uttermost!" he whispered. "'Lord! remember--me,--when Thou comest--into--Thy--'" He sank into a stupor; and the physician administered another stimulant. He had besought them not to permit him to sleep while reason lasted. One and another had come in, on hearing of his danger, and the room was nearly filled; but there was not a word or loud breath, to distract the meditations of the parting soul. Charley and Mrs. Dana were nearest him on one side, Ida and Mr. Lacy, on the other. He looked at them fondly. "Friends! _dear_ friends! 'There is a friend--'" to Lacy. He finished the sentence--"That sticketh closer than a brother."