Page:A hairdresser's experience in high life.djvu/93

Rh figures are all that are seen moving out and in to those two rooms. Had you occasion to go to the top of the stairs, yon could hear groans of mortal agony, with cries of "Lord, help me!—God have mercy on me!" And when any one would do any little kindness to her to alleviate her sufferings, if but for a moment, you would hear the same voice say, "May God bless you, my friend!"

We all know the comforts of a palace are as nothing to one who is struggling in the grasp of death; much less the bed and room which is appropriated to a few hot summer days. When many in health complain of these inconveniences of a watering-place, what must they be to one prostrated by sickness and perfectly helpless.

This lady was noble; she had made many promises what she would do for the proprietor and housekeeper, if she survived; and made provision to have all who waited on her, or were kind to her, remembered. One day she called her husband, and made him promise he would buy the very best dress he could get in New York city, and present it to the housekeeper for her kindness.

Toward the last, it seemed as if there was something on her mind she wished told, but could get no opportunity of speaking to any friend. She particularly wished to see a brother-in-law, but the wish was not gratified, as he was not sent for till too late. She often wished to have a dear friend to close her eyes.

When told her death was at hand, she replied, "God's will be done; but O, I want to see my brother-in-law." While in the very agonies of death, she was closely questioned as to her papers; she answered 8