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THE END
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answer is, 'Yes.' He at once says: 'Then you must think me in a bad way — tell me your real opinion of my case, for I am not afraid to die.' Hay tells him that his condition is most precarious, and that if he continues losing strength and unable to take any nourishment, he cannot long survive. He is unwilling that his daughters should sit up with him, and begs them to go to bed with the promise that Hay shall call them if any further change for the worse should be perceptible. Soon they are summoned again, but they can scarce believe that the summons is to a death-bed. His countenance has become more natural in its expression, his manner serene, his voice stronger and his utterance undisturbed. He first gives them a few directions regarding personal and family affairs, in a precise and collected manner. He takes one of their hands in each of his own and says, 'John (Hay) must know best — but I do not feel so ill — God's will be done.' On being informed that the clergyman is absent on leave, he expresses his regret that the Holy Communion cannot be administered. He then bids Bessie read to him the last chapter of Galatians, telling her and Maynie that their mother had laid this chapter much to heart. Evidently his memory had reverted to the reading of this chapter to his wife, at her own request, just before death. The passage is read, and he hears once more the well-remembered texts — 'God is not mocked, for whatsoever a man soweth, that also shall he reap' — 'he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit also reap life everlasting' — 'Jesus