I did so: she put her arm over me，and I nestled close to her.

After a long silence，she resumed，still whispering-

"I am very happy，Jane; and when you hear that I am dead，you must be sure and not grieve: there is nothing to grieve about. We all must die one day，and the illness which is removing me is not painful; it is gentle and gradual: my mind is at rest. I leave no one to regret me much: I have only a father; and he is lately married，and will not miss me. By dying young，I shall escape great sufferings.

I had not qualities or talents to make my way very well in the world: I should have been continually at fault."

"But where are you going to，Helen? Can you see? Do you know?"

"I believe; I have faith: I am going to God."

"Where is God? What is God?"

"My Maker and yours，who will never destroy what He created. I rely implicitly on His power，and confide wholly in His goodness: I count the hours till that eventful one arrives which shall restore me to Him，reveal Him to me."

"You are sure，then，Helen，that there is such a place as heaven，and that our souls can get to it when we die?"

"I am sure there is a future state; I believe God is good; I can resign my immortal part to Him without any misgiving. God is my father; God is my friend: I love Him; I believe He loves me."

"And shall I see you again，Helen，when I die?"

"You will e to the same region of happiness: be received by the same mighty，universal parent，no doubt，dear Jane."

Again I questioned，but this time only in thought. "Where is that region? Does it exist?" And I clasped my arms closer around Helen; she seemed dearer to me than ever; I felt as if I could not let her go;

I lay with my face hidden on her neck. presently she said，in the sweetest tone-