Page:Aunt Phillis's Cabin.djvu/247

   he had taken her little lamb, and had gently folded it in his bosom, and that he would wander with it in the lovely pastures of Paradise. She was soon perfectly reconciled to the sad dispensation; sad indeed, for the child was her only earthly solace. Victim of an unhappy marriage, the dear engaging little boy was a great consolation to her, and his amusement and instruction occupied her mind, and passed away happily many a weary hour.

"She insisted upon attending the funeral, and I accompanied her.   Mr. Kent was with her, too, much distressed, for this hard man    loved his child, and keenly felt his loss.

"She got out of the carriage to hear the funeral service read, and   was calm until they took up the coffin to lower it into the grave.    Then it was impossible to control her. Placing her arms upon it,    she looked around appealingly to the men; and so affected were    they, that they turned from her to wipe away their own tears. Her    strength gave way under the excitement, and she was carried,    insensible, to the carriage, and taken home.

"I found her very feverish, and did not like to leave her,   thinking it probable that she might also have the disease which    had carried off her child. Before night she became really ill, and    Dr. Lawton pronounced her complaint scarlet fever. The disease was    fearfully rapid, and soon ended her life. She was, I think, well    prepared to go. Her solemn and affectionate farewell to her    husband cannot fail to make an impression upon him.

"I shall have a great deal to tell you of her when you return. The   past winter has been a sad one; a constant coolness existing    between her and her husband. A short time ago he was brutally    striking that faithful old man of her father's, Robert, and Mrs.    Kent interfered, insisting upon Robert's returning to his cabin,    and in his presence forbidding Mr. Kent again to raise his hand    against one servant on the plantation; Mr. Carter's will,    allowing