“Oh, Father,” he said softly, “we lift our sister, your servant, into your care. We give you thanks for her life, and for the privilege of sharing it with her. We join, as two or three of your children gathered together, to ask you, in the name of your Son, Jesus, to restore her to health, to touch those places of pain in her body with the healing love of your hand. We give her into your hands, our Father. If this is the moment when you would bring her into the home of your bosom, then we bless and give you praise and honor for a life well lived in service to you and to us. If it is your will that Eppie yet remain with us, then restore her to vigor, and may her remaining years accomplish that which you ordain.”

The baron paused momentarily.

“And Father,” he went on, “give us the grace to serve you with steadfastness and devotion, as Eppie has, all the years of our life.”

Whispered amens came from the others around the bedside.

Almost the same instant the baron removed his hands from her head, Eppie’s eyes shot open and she struggled to sit up in the bed. Heidi immediately renewed her attempt to soothe her, but old Eppie would have none of it.

Seeing Marion, she glanced back and, finding the baron so close beside her, calmed slightly, then began to speak in an agitated though weak voice.

“Be on your guard, Baron,” she said. “They’re all about you!”

“Who, Eppie?” he said, trying with calm voice to reassure her that there was nothing to be anxious about.

“Spies, Baron,” she said. “Watchful eyes are upon you, seeking to devour and plunder. There are tunnels, Baron! He would come in through the dungeon and take the treasure and gain power over you!”

“Who are you talking about, Eppie, the enemy?”

“Yes… yes, of course—the enemy. He is your enemy, Baron!”

“He is the enemy of all of us, Eppie. All of God’s people must be vigilant and watchful.”

“Not him, Baron! Oh, how will you see the danger? You must understand! I’ve seen his eyes… he means you ill, Baron… he means ill!” she said, then fell back on the bed with moanings that grew increasingly more inarticulate and devoid of meaning to any of the three listeners.

Still Heidi held her hand while the baron softly stroked her hair. In another two or three minutes she was again asleep.

Ten minutes more they sat with the old servant, until they judged her sleeping more peacefully.

“I will remain with her,” said Heidi.

“Come get me if she awakens again,” said Marion. “In the meantime, I will prepare some broth.”

The three family members left the small chamber. The baron and Sabina sought the library, while Marion went downstairs to the kitchen.

16 The Tour Continues

16

The Tour Continues