many sins to answer for, my friend. But then, what a lot I have suffered ! I try to endure my sufferings patiently." " Then let me send for the little father, my friend, it will be still easier for you to communicate," said the sister. The invalid inclined her head by way of assent. " God forgive me — a sinner ! " — she murmured. The sister went out and beckoned to the little father. " She is an angel," she said to the husband with tears in her eyes. The husband began to weep, the priest passed through the door, the old woman still remained un- conscious, and everything in the antechamber was perfectly quiet. In about five minutes the priest came out of the door again, and, taking off the epitrachilion, smoothed his hair. " Thank God she is calmer now," said he, " she wants to see you all." The sister and the husband went in. The invalid was weeping softly and looking at the holy image. " I congratulate you, my friend," said the husband. " I thank you. How well it is with me now, what an inexpressible joy I feel," said the invalid, and a light smile played upon her thin lips. " How merciful God is ! — is He not ? He is merciful and almighty." And with an eager prayer on her lips and streaming eyes, she again gazed upon the holy image. Suddenly something seemed to occur to her, she beckoned to her husband to draw near.
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