Presently Lily said, 'Tell me of something to do, Robert,
something that may be a pledge that my sorrow is not a passing
shower, something unnecessary, but disagreeable, which may keep me in
remembrance that my Lent was not one of self-denial.'
'You must be able to find more opportunities of self-denial than I
can devise,' said her cousin.
'Of course,' said Lily; 'but some one thing, some punishment.'
'I will answer you to-morrow,' said Mr. Devereux.
'One thing more,' said Lily, looking down; 'after this great fall,
ought I to come to next Sunday's feast? I would turn away if you
thought fit.'
'Lily, you can best judge,' said the Rector, kindly. 'I should think
that you were now in a humble, contrite frame, and therefore better
prepared than when self-confident.'
'How many times! how shall I think of them! but I will,' said Lily;
'and Robert, will you think of me when you say the Absolution now and
next Sunday at the altar?'
They were by this time at the church-porch. As Mr. Devereux
uncovered his head, he turned to Lilias, and said in a low tone, 'God
bless you, Lilias, and grant you true repentance and pardon.'
Early the next morning the toll of the passing-bell informed Lily
that the little lamb had been gathered into the heavenly fold.
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