"Well, ma'am, if you only would stay long enough by the child, you'd see it; it is awful to watch with her all alone." "Afraid of a sick child," said Mrs. Markham, pouring out another cup of hyson. "No, not the child exactly--Tibbs is a good little thing; but the sperrets, about the room. I do believe," said Timmins, solemnly, "that sperrets are all round these childern. You don't see things as I do, Mrs. Markham." "I hope I don't," answered that lady, laughing, as she pushed back her empty cup. "A pretty matron I should make, filled with such fanciful whims; and a great while the committee would keep me." "Perhaps so," answered Timmins. "Sometimes I think--" "What?" asked Markham. "And then again I don't know," said the perplexed Timmins; "but I must run back to Tibbs--if you only _would_ look in on her, Mrs. Markham," said Timmins beseechingly, as she closed the door. While the above conversation was passing, the film gathered slowly over little Tibbs's eyes; the feet and hands grew colder--colder; drops of moisture gathered on the marble temples; the lips moved, but no sound came; a convulsive spasm shook the slight form, and little Tibbs was dead! None stood by to hold the feeble hand, or wipe the gathering death-damp from the pale lips and brow. No warm breath was proof to the dimmed eye and dulled ear of Love's dear presence. Tibbs died _alone_. And yet not alone, for He who loveth little children, folded her to His bosom. "It is quite time she took her drops," said Timmins, re-entering the room; and holding the phial up to the light, and placing a spoon under its mouth, she commenced counting, "One--two--three--four--here Tibbie. "What!" The horror-struck Timmins darted through the door, and back to Mrs. Markham. "Oh, ma'am--oh, ma'am--she's gone--all alone, too--oh, Mrs. Markham--" "Who's gone? what are you talking about, Timmons?" "Tibbs, ma'am--Tibbs--while I was down here talking to you--and all alone, too--oh dear--oh dear--" "Hold your tongue, Timmins; as if _your_ being there would have done any good?" "Don't you think so, ma'am?" asked the relieved Timmins. "No, of course not; the child's time had come--it is all well enough; you couldn't have helped it. Call Watkins, and tell her to go lay her out. I will be up when I have taken my nap. You stay there till Watkins has done, and then lock the door and take the key. What o'clock is it?" "Oh, I don't know," said Timmins. "Are you _sure_ it was just as well for Tibbs to die alone? I hope _I_ shan't die alone. Should _you_ like to die alone, Mrs. Markham?" "That has nothing to do with it," answered Mrs. Markham, angrily; "go along, Timmins, and don't make a fool of yourself."