“And as for you, sir--” said she, addressing Colin, “look that you never despise what you once loved; that you do not take up as a jewel what you afterwards cast away as a stone. I have loved that girl from her childhood; and now she is married, I would not have you do as some men do. Take care of that. For if you do,--if you forget to look upon her when she expects you,--if you leave her as an unwelcome thing in her own house,--I tell you it will break her heart. I say you will break her heart,--even as mine,--Heaven knows,--_is_ broken!” And so saying, Mrs. Lupton shrieked hysterically, and fell back insensible. Grieved to the soul, Colin and his wife retired in tears, while Miss Shirley assisted in having the poor lady conveyed to her own room and laid in bed, where such restoratives were resorted to as her case seemed to require. When she had somewhat recovered--“Walter!” she exclaimed--“Walter! I want to see my husband.” After a while Mr. Lupton entered the chamber, and all present retired into an adjoining room. “Walter!” said she faintly, “I am going--but I wish to tell you I die in peace--in _love_ with you, even now. Very soon and I shall trouble you no more. But if I can come back to you, I will. I have loved and watched over you here--I will do so hereafter. You shall see me--but do not be afraid, for I would not injure you even to gain heaven. Try to be good for the future, and then perhaps we may meet again. I have lost happiness here, but I hope for it to come. It is mine, I know it is! Heaven will not make me miserable for ever, as I have endured so much. Give me your hand--say one good kind word to me--nay, kiss me truly, and I am content. See you! There about the bed angels are asking me to come. I knew they would. I knew those blessed creatures would pity my misery, and wait for me when the gate of the Everlasting was opened. Heaven bless you--bless you!” And as she uttered those words the gripe of her hand on his became convulsive. “_I will come again!_” she exclaimed with preternatural energy, as she strove to rise up towards her husband, but sunk back dying,--dead, in the effort.