But I am ready to be offered, and
the time of my departure is close at hand. I have fought a good
fight; I have finished my course; I have kept the faith I started
in life with. Nothing now remains for me but the crown of
martyrdom. My darling, it is indeed a very bitter cup to me that
you should wish me dead; but 'tis a small thing to die, above all
for the sake of those we love. I die for you gladly, knowing that
by doing so I can easily relieve my own dear little girl of one
trouble in life, and make her course lie henceforth through
smoother waters. Be happy! be happy! Good-by, my Dolly! Your
mother's love go forever through life with you!
"Burn this blurred note the moment you have read it. I inclose a
more formal one, giving reasons for my act on other grounds, to be
put in, if need be, at the coroner's inquest. Good-night, my
heart's darling. Your truly devoted and affectionate
MOTHER.
"Oh, Dolly, my Dolly, you never will know with what love I loved
you."
When she had finished that note, and folded it reverently with
kisses and tears, she wrote the second one in a firm hand for the
formal evidence.
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