Another moment
and he stood within the room where Ella had died. All traces of
sickness and death had been removed, and everything was in perfect
order. Vases of flowers adorned the mantel and the stands, seeming
little out of place with the rain which beat against the window,
and the fire which burned within the grate. In her crib lay
Fannie, and sitting near was Dora Deane, her rich auburn hair
combed smoothly back, and the great kindness of her heart shining
out from the depths of her clear blue eyes.
There are people whose very presence brings with it a feeling of
comfort, and such a one was Dora. Mr. Hastings had not expected to
find her there; and the sight of her bright face, though it did
not remove the heavy pain from his heart, took from him the sense
of utter desolation, the feeling of being alone in his sorrow.
"Dora," he exclaimed, coming to her side, "I did not expect this!
How happened you to stay?"
"The baby cried so hard," answered Dora, "that Eugenia told me I
might remain until your return.
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