Montague, that she must be excused, sought her mother's room, where she
found Sea-flower, who was reading to the invalid, and the rich tones of
her voice conveyed far more happiness to her heart, than would have been
hers, had she listened to the far-famed songstress, with a conscience
speaking of undutifulness. Natalie was reading from the "Christian's
Hope," and as she read, ever and anon cast her eye toward Winnie, who
appeared unusually thoughtful. The nervous state, however, of Mrs.
Santon would admit of but little excitement, and as Natalie closed her
book, and rose to bid her good-night, she observed that she looked
unusually happy, and taking her dear children by the hand, she thanked
them tenderly for their devoted attention to her, and drawing close to
Winnie she whispered in her ear,--"It is such a comfort to me, dear,
that you prefer your mother's sick room to more attractive society!" Had
she known of the struggle which had been going on in her daughter's
heart, through the influence of the gentle one whom she looked upon as a
well-loved child, her eye could hardly have been brighter than it was,
as her child pressed a kiss upon her forehead, and said, "I shall always
love best to be with you mother.
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