But death, however long
expected, is sudden at the last, and so it was to him, when he saw
the shadow creeping over her face, which cometh once to all. She
would not suffer them to rouse the household, she would rather die
with them alone, she said, with Dora standing near, and her
husband's arms about her so that the tones of his voice should be
the last sound which would fall upon her ear, and Dora's hand the
last to minister to her wants.
"I have loved you so much, Howard, oh, so much!" and the white
clammy fingers, so soon to be laid away beneath the summer
flowers, strayed lovingly through the raven locks of her husband,
who could answer only with his tears, which fell fast upon her
face. "And you too, Dora," she continued, motioning the weeping
girl to advance, "I have loved you too, for you have been kind to
me, and when I am gone, you will live here still and care for my
child, whom we have called _Fannie_. It is a beautiful name,
Dora--your mother's name, and for your sake, I would fain let her
keep it--but," turning to Mr.
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