The rain beat strongly against the panes, the wind blew tempestuously: “One lies there,” I thought, “who will soon be beyond the war of earthly elements. Whither will that spirit⁠—now struggling to quit its material tenement⁠—flit when at length released?”

In pondering the great mystery, I thought of Helen Burns, recalled her dying words⁠—her faith⁠—her doctrine of the equality of disembodied souls. I was still listening in thought to her well-remembered tones⁠—still picturing her pale and spiritual aspect, her wasted face and sublime gaze, as she lay on her placid deathbed, and whispered her longing to be restored to her divine Father’s bosom⁠—when a feeble voice murmured from the couch behind: “Who is that?”

I knew Mrs. Reed had not spoken for days: was she reviving? I went up to her.

“It is I, Aunt Reed.”