But then from the remorse and bitterness of the fault he had never
ceased to mourn rose a nobler purpose, a higher love. He took the
child in his arms, and kissed her tenderly, then released her,
saying,--
"Good-by, little sister; for I never will call you so again, and you
never more will call me brother. It's your own lady-mother, darling,
that you're missing and mourning,--the own beautiful mother that lost
you two years ago, and has gone to heaven's gates looking for you,
and never would have come back if you had not been found. It's your
own home, darling, that you have remembered for heaven; and it's
waiting for you, with father and mother, and joy and plenty, all
ready to receive you the minute you can get there."
But it was too much for the fine organization and sensitive
temperament; and, as Teddy's words reached her heart in their full
meaning, the child, with a long sobbing cry, fell forward into his
arms, utterly insensible.
Teddy, not too much terrified for he had seen her thus before,
raised the slender little figure in his arms, and carried it swiftly
toward the house, now just visible through a vista of the wood, but,
before he reached it, met Dora coming to look for her little charge.
"Good-morning, Mr.
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