"She was not afraid," repeated Frederica. "Miss Agnace was afraid for her, and Mr Jerome and Sister Magdalen came often, and told her many things she ought to do. But she was never afraid, after the old man told us how `the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.' It is in the Bible, you know, and God taught her, I think God and Selina. And it is for us all--the blood of Jesus--for those who think as Miss Agnace does, and you, and all of us. Selina will tell you. May I bring Selina, Mr St. Cyr?" "Tell me about your mother," said he. Frederica told him about how afraid her mother had been, and how she longed to know the way to heaven. And then she told how she had brought the old man in from the storm, never thinking what wonderful things he was to tell them, and how after that her mother was at rest. She told him how she had grown weaker, so slowly that they could see no change in her from day to day, and how calm and peaceful she was through all the time. "Not even the thought of leaving us alone, when we feared papa was dying, made her unhappy; for she said, `God will take care of my children, against all who would do them harm.' And so He will," added Frederica earnestly; and as she raised her eyes, they fell on the face of Mr Jerome, standing in the shadow of the door. She rose hastily. "Must you go? Sit by me for a little while," said her old friend. The door closed softly, shutting out the priest, as she believed, and Frederica sat down at the old man's feet again. "Does the time seem long, Cousin Cyprien?" asked she. "It seemed long in passing, but to look back on, it seems like a blank. I must get strong again. Is your father dead too?" "Papa! Oh, no! He was better when we heard last, but it is a long time now. You have not heard that papa is worse?" "I have heard nothing, and I can do nothing. Why have you come to-day? Is it because of some new unhappiness? Madame Ascot is with you, I hear. Are you unhappy, my child?" Frederica paused a moment before she answered. "Mama is gone, and papa, and sometimes we are afraid. But I did not come because of Madame. I thought that you had forgotten us, and I came to see. I am not afraid now that you are getting well." "Ah! we will trust so. And have you nothing to tell me?--no trouble to be helped through?" "No," said Frederica thoughtfully. "I will wait till you are quite well again, and then I will tell you all. And will you tell Babette that we may come upstairs--Selina and I? I may bring Selina, may I not?" "By all means, and I will warn Babette, you may be sure. Must you go how?" "It is growing dark, I think. Yes, I must go. So good night, Cousin Cyprien." "Are you alone? My child, it is not well for you to be alone in the street at this hour." "It was not dark when I came. It is only a little way. I am not afraid." "Well, be sure and come again. Good night, my child."