第17部分(第1/7 页)
e？”
“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 e 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 fortable 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 way。”
“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 then to my many questions； but a day or two afterwards I learned that Miss Temple； on returning to her own room at dawn； had found me laid in the little crib； my face against Helen Burns’s shoulder； my arms round her neck。 I was asleep； and Helen was—dead。
Her grave is in Brocklebridge churchyard： for fifteen years after her death it was only covered by a grassy mound； but now a grey marble tablet marks the spot； inscribed with