Waitwell, if you will do me the kindness to remain with me, you must not let me see such a melancholy face. You are mute! Speak, I pray! And if I may ask it, speak of my father! Repeat all the comforting words which you said to me a few hours ago. Repeat them to me, and tell me too, that the Eternal Heavenly Father cannot be less merciful. I can die with that assurance, can I not? Had this befallen me before your arrival, how would I have fared? I should have despaired, Waitwell. To leave this world burdened with the hatred of him, who belies his nature when he is forced to hate--what a thought! Tell him that I died with the feelings of the deepest remorse, gratitude and love. Tell him--alas, that I shall not tell him myself--how full my heart is of all the benefits I owe to him. My life was the smallest amongst them. Would that I could yield up at his feet the ebbing portion yet remaining! WAITWELL. Do you really wish to see him, Miss? SARA. At length you speak--to doubt my deepest, my last desire! WAITWELL. Where shall I find the words which I have so long been vainly seeking? A sudden joy is as dangerous as a sudden terror. I fear only that the effect of his unexpected appearance might be too violent for so tender a heart! SARA. What do you mean? The unexpected appearance of whom? WAITWELL. Of the wished-for one! Compose yourself! Scene IX. Sir William Sampson, Sara, Waitwell. SIR WILLIAM. You stay too long, Waitwell! I must see her! SARA. Whose voice---- SIR WILLIAM. Oh, my daughter! SARA. Oh, my father! Help me to rise, Waitwell, help me to rise that I may throw myself at his feet, (_she endeavours to rise and falls back again into the arm-chair_). Is it he, or is it an apparition sent from heaven like the angel who came to strengthen the Strong One? Bless me, whoever thou art, whether a messenger from the Highest in my father's form or my father himself! SIR WILLIAM. God bless thee, my daughter! Keep quiet (_she tries again to throw herself at his feet_). Another time, when you have regained your strength, I shall not be displeased to see you clasp my faltering knees. SARA. Now, my father, or never! Soon I shall be no more! I shall be only too happy if I still have a few moments to reveal my heart to you. But not moments--whole days--another life, would be necessary to tell all that a guilty, chastened and repentant daughter can say to an injured but generous and loving father. My offence, and your forgiveness---- SIR WILLIAM.