She was unusually cheerful that night, the pain in her side was better, she said, and she felt almost well enough to get up. As a great treat, Milly was to sit up to supper that night, and, being very wakeful, she remained up until the usual chapter was read and prayer had been offered up by the widow. Earnestly and affectionately did she commend each to the care of their Heavenly Father, making special mention of little Milly, that, if spared, she might be a blessing and a help to many. And then, with an affectionate farewell, she bade each go to bed. All thought of what he had heard concerning his mother's illness had passed from Jack's mind, and his last thought before going to sleep was of the pleasant, happy evening they had spent, and his dreams were of a happy home-circle, in which his father's place was not empty. He was aroused the next morning by Milly laying her little hand on his face. The circumstance did not alarm him, for the child usually awoke early, and often came to call them. But when she said, "Wake up, Jack, and light the fire, mother's so cold," an instant fear seized the boy's heart. Springing out of bed, he ran into the adjoining room, and one glance at the little bed confirmed his worst fears. He did not scream or cry out, but a groan of anguish burst from his heart; and Bob, whom Milly had likewise awakened, came hurrying in after him. "What is it? Is mother ill?" he asked, as he saw his brother throw the sheet over her face. Jack shook his head. "Make haste and get your things on, and run down for Mrs. Ship," he said. Bob looked from his brother to the bed. "Is it too late to fetch the doctor?" he asked. Jack nodded. "Don't let Milly come in here," he said, as the little girl was about to clamber up on the bed again. Bob took her in his arms and went back to their little sleeping-room. But then all his firmness gave way, and throwing himself on the bed, he burst into an irrepressible wail of anguish. "What's a-matter, Bob? Ain't mother well? She wants her breakfast, I think," said Milly. Bob tried to choke back his tears for the sake of the child. "Mother won't want any more breakfasts, Milly," he said; "she's gone to heaven—gone to see Jesus!" The little girl sat down, her hands clasped in her lap. "She's gone to be an angel, then, instead of me?" she said. "No, not instead of you, Milly. You've been an angel to us here, I'm sure, and so you will be!" But there he stopped. What would become of the child now his mother had gone? She was far too young to be left in the cottage alone while they were away at work, even if they could have attended to her wants while they were at home. But he could not stay to think of this now; he had to hurry away to bring their neighbor from the village. And while he was gone, Jack dressed Milly, and did what he could to put the house in order.