SELF-POSSESSION

in the snow, beside something that lay there— something that I had seen

dragged along the ground— something that sighed, that groaned on my

breast, as I lifted and drew it to ms. He was not dead; he was not quite un-

conscious. I had him carried in; I refused to be ordered about and thrust

from him. I was quite collected enough, not only to be my own mistress but

the mistress of others. They had begun by trying to treat me like a child, as

they always do with people struck by God's hand; but I gave place to none

except the surgeon; and when he had done what he could, I took my dying

Frank to myself. He had strength to fold me in his arms; he had power to

speak my name; he heard me as I prayed over him very softly; he felt me as

I tenderly and fondly comforted him.

"'Maria,' he said, 'I am dying in Paradise.' He spent his last breath in