CHAPTER IX 102
" You are sure , then , Helen , that there is such a place as heaven , and that our souls can get to it when we die ?"
" I am sure there is a future state ; I believe God is good ; I can resign my immortal part to Him without any misgiving . God is my father ; God is my friend : I love Him ; I believe He loves me ."
" And shall I see you again , Helen , when I die ?"
" You will come to the same region of happiness : be received by the same mighty , universal Parent , no doubt , dear Jane ."
Again I questioned , but this time only in thought . " Where is that region ? Does it exist ?" And I clasped my arms closer round Helen ; she seemed dearer to me than ever ; I felt as if I could not let her go ; I lay with my face hidden on her neck . Presently she said , in the sweetest tone -
" How comfortable I am ! That last fit of coughing has tired me a little ; I feel as if I could sleep : but don ' t leave me , Jane ; I like to have you near me ."
" I ' ll stay with you , DEAR Helen : no one shall take me away ." " Are you warm , darling ?" " Yes ." " Good-night , Jane ." " Good-night , Helen ." She kissed me , and I her , and we both soon slumbered .
When I awoke it was day : an unusual movement roused me ; I looked up ; I was in somebody ' s arms ; the nurse held me ; she was carrying me through the passage back to the dormitory . I was not reprimanded for leaving my bed ; people had something else to think about ; no explanation was afforded