The White Lily. 7a

 

hand clasped in his, and his eyes fixed on her face,
watching if she should move.

And at last, yes, he felt quite surethat she had moved,

He stifled the cry of joy in his heart, lest he should
miss any word that she might speak.

She opened her eyes, but it was not at him that
she looked; her head was turned away from him,
and she did not seem able to lift it.

Her gaze fell upon the little mouse nestling upon
her bosom.

“What, mousie!” said she faintly. “Are you
there?”

“Yes, dear mistress,” answered the mouse, in a
little gentle voice. “J have never left you.”

“How good you are to me, mousie!” said Pearl,
again. “And I was unkind to you.”

She paused a moment, and then she said—

“Tell me what has happened to me, mousie. I
can’t remember.”

“The tiger-lily tempted you, and you climbed for
him,” said the mouse, “and your foot slipped.”