The Heir of Kilfinnan: A Tale of the Shore and Ocean

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN.

  The outbreak being thus speedily quelled, the Earl was enabled very soonto return in safety to his country residence. He had there a severeaffliction awaiting him. Owing either to the over-exertions made byLord Fitz Barry on the night of the attack at the planter's house, orfrom some other cause, his disease from that time gained rapid ground.His friend Denham now felt greatly alarmed at the change which heremarked in him, and saw too clearly that he was destined to remain buta short time longer on earth. The surgeon also, who had known him someyears, was of the same opinion. Captain Falkner felt, though mostreluctantly, that it was his duty to convey the sad information to hisfather and sister. The Earl refused to believe it, but Nora saw, withgrief, the sad change which even a few days had made in her belovedbrother. He could now only sit up for a short time in an armchair.

  In consequence of the rebellion the _Cynthia_ had to remain for sometime in the harbour, and accordingly Denham was able to obtain leave toremain with his friend. He and Nora, therefore, were constantly by theside of the dying youth. Barry would not for some time believe that hisown end was approaching. Often, with tears in her eyes, Nora spoke tohim of that happy land to which all those who trust in the Rock of Agesare certainly bound.

  "There will be no more sorrow, no more suffering, no more fighting, nomore wounds in that land, dear Barry," she said, taking his hand."Still, life is sweet. I wish you could have remained with us; but wemust bow to God's will. They say you have not many more days to remainon earth, Barry; but surely we must feel the parting more severely--wewho have to remain in this world exposed to so many dangers, than youshould, who have to go to that land of joy and rest."

  The young lieutenant shook his head.

  "It is hard for me to acknowledge that, dear Nora," he answered. "Icare not for the dangers; and there are so many things to enjoy in thislife, that I had hoped to remain in it to a good old age. I haveeverything to make life pleasant, and can you be surprised, then, that Ishould be unwilling to quit it without a sigh?"

  "O! no, no," she answered. "I know that; but still, remember, it is butto enter into a life of eternal joy that you leave this world of trials.Because, let us deceive ourselves as we may, there are many causeswhich must bring us sorrow and pain. You remember how we grieved whenour dear mother was taken from us, and then it was very sad to leave theold castle, and then, too, we have sorrowed on account of our father,that his property has suffered so much; and though we have been verylovingly dealt with by God, yet He has not allowed life to be sodelightful to us that we should be willing to remain here for ever."

  Denham spoke to his friend in the same strain. Often did his heartswell within him as he had to address the dying youth, and many a timehe dashed away from his eyes the fast-falling tears as he thought thatin a few days they must part, never again to meet in this world. He hadseen several of his shipmates cut down by the sword of the enemy. Youngas he was, death was no stranger to him. The saddest loss he had everyet experienced was that of his brave and gentle friend, with his youthand rank and many noble qualities. Even to the end, which came at last,the Earl could not believe that his son was dying.

  It was daytime. The soft breeze came in through the open window. Hesat, as usual, in his chair, with his sweet sister on one side and hisfriend Denham on the other. His hands were placed in theirs. He feltthat he was about to take his departure.

  "Kiss me, Nora," he said.

  Denham felt him press his hand for an instant; then the fingers relaxed,and he sank back, and they both saw that his spirit had fled.

  Nora did not give way to tears; her grief was too deep for that. Denhamfelt that he could not venture to comfort her; he dared not even trusthis voice in words. Happily, Sophy came in, and the attendants weresummoned, and Nora was led away to her chamber.

  Denham's leave had just then expired. He went to pay his farewellrespects to the Earl; but Lord Kilfinnan entreated him to remain.

  "I will write to Captain Falkner," he said. "He will not insist uponyour returning on board just now. I must have you with me. You are myson's dearest friend. I know that from the way he spoke of you. Icannot let you go. You must stop and comfort a broken-hearted old man.And poor Nora, she will feel his death dreadfully. Well, `God's will bedone;' perhaps, after all, the poor lad would have found that he had buta scant inheritance to support his title."

  Denham remained in the house as desired, having obtained leave fromCaptain Falkner to do so. He occasionally saw Lady Nora, who spoke tohim kindly and gently, as she naturally would do to her late brother'sfriend. Lady Sophy was far more cordial in her manner. He, however,conversed but little with the Earl. Indeed, it was very evident thatLord Kilfinnan could not trust his voice to speak about his son. Afterthe funeral Denham once more returned on board.