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20 to bespeak his tenderness for those so soon to be orphans was almost to doubt it, and she only asked him to lift them up, that she might kiss them.

"They must not stay," said Mr. Dalton, seeing how faint she became.

The old Indian nurse led them to the door whither their mother's eye followed them, it then turned towards their father's face, whence it never moved again. The flush gradually faded into utter paleness, and the head, which rested on Mr. Dalton's arm, was white and scarcely more animate than that of a marble statue. His sight had lost somewhat of its usual clear distinctness, or his eyes were filled with tears: suddenly he dashed them away, and leant eagerly over his wife.

"Eda," exclaimed he, in an agitated whisper "she is fainting."

"No," said the aged nurse, "it is all over."

Both stood for a moment motionless, breathless, when Mr. Dalton rushed from the room;