Blessed are the warm, gushing tears that fall on the child's head--tears
of love and reconciliation.
Soon the worthy vicar and his wife, who have thus far been only
spectators of the scene, draw near to bless and welcome their niece.
'She will faint again,' whispers Gladys to Owen.
'She is happy now,' replies Owen, looking into Gladys' tearful eyes from
his own, equally dimmed with tears. It is the first time he has seen
that face since he has known that Gladys loves him.
But Gladys is right--happiness is too overpowering for Netta. She faints
in the midst of all those dear ones, so kind and loving.
Again Gladys is at her side to revive her, which she is able to do more
quickly than before. When she is better, Gladys raises her pillows, and
places her in a more comfortable posture. By degrees every one is
conscious that Gladys is present.
'Dear Gladys!' says Netta, 'I am better now; quite--quite well, father!'
'Drink this first,' says Gladys, giving her some wine and water that
Owen has brought.
She drinks the wine and water, and again calls her father
'I brought Gladys, father; I cannot do without her. She has saved my
life, I think, and mother's, so Owen told me--didn't you, Owen? May she
stay with me, father?'
Netta presses her hand to her head, and looks at her father with those
bewildered eyes, which are only too sadly irresistible.
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