Chapter 34 - Lizzie Leigh

Meanwhile, the mother watched her child in the room above. It was late in the afternoon before she awoke, but the sleeping draught had been very powerful. The instant she awoke, her eyes were fixed on her mother's face, with a gaze as unflinching as if she were fascinated. Mrs. Lee did not turn away, nor move, for it seemed as if motion would unlock the stony command over herself, which, while so perfectly still, she was unable to preserve. But by and by, Lizzy cried out in a piercing voice of agony. Mother, don't look at me. I've been so wicked. And instantly she hid her face, and grovelled among the bedclothes, and lay like one dead. So motionless was she. Mrs. Lee knelt down by the bed, and spoke in the most soothing tones. Lizzy dear, don't speak so. I'm thy mother, darling. Don't be afraid of me. I never left off loving thee, Lizzy. I was always a-thinking of thee. Thy father forgave thee afore he died. There was a little start here, but no sound was heard. Lizzy lass, I'll do aught for thee. I'll live for thee, only don't be afraid of me. But ere thou art or hast been, we'll ne'er speak on't. We'll leave thou times behind us, and go back to th' up-close farm. I but left it to find thee, my lass. And God has led me to thee. Blessed be his name. And God is good too, Lizzy. Thou hast not forgot thy Bible, I'll be bound. For thou wast always a scholar. I'm no reader, but I learnt off them texts to comfort me a bit. And I've said them many a time a day to meself. Lizzy lass, don't hide thy head so. It's thy mother as is speaking to thee. Thy little child clung to me only yesterday. And if it's gone to be an angel, it will speak to God for thee.