A Heart's Bitterness — page 268: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

260 A HEART'S BITTERNESS. «‘ You have energy and money, and can do much good if you will, and that will soothe your sorrows,” said Violet. «‘T promise you, my lady, I will be another man.” _ «Here is a seal ring that was my father’s,” said Violet. «Will you wear it in memory of the promise, and if you can help poor orphans and foundlings with your money, do it, for poor Helen’s sake.” ; Kemp went softly from her presence, as if he had left a sanctuary. It was the night before the day set for the funeral. The various members of the mourning household had gone to their rooms, when a wild cry rang through the Towers, fol- lowed by long wails. Violet heard it in her botidoir, where, still dressed, she was trying to catch an hour’s sleep in an easy-chair. Her | heart at once awoke to terror for her child. What had hap- pened to Rupert? She flew to the nursery. It was empty; but the sounds ‘of lamentation had roused Rupert, who was struggling to lift himself in his cradle. Relieved of anxiety for him, Violet caught him in her arms, and, as the wails still con- tinued, she ran in excitement down the stairs. The door of the great, -black-hung drawing-room was open, the coffin of Lord Norman lay under the dimly hit chandelier in the center. At its head knelt old Adam; be- side him stood Magery, wringing her hands and crying wildly, while the servants were grouped about. As the lit- tle countess, in her deep mourning robe, holding the child, in his little white night-gown, crossed the threshold, Kate _ hastened to her, and took the child from her. “Don’t come here, my lady dear. It is no place for you. ~ He is dead.” P ‘*I know he is dead,” said Violet, tears welling in her eyes. ‘“I don’t mean my lord, dear lady. It is Adam—old Adam—whom we found dead, kneeling there by my lord. His heart broke for his master, poor man.” | ‘* Adam dead!” said Violet, in an awed tone. Then, re- leasing her hold of the child, shé went up to Magery, and clasped her wrinkled hands tenderly, saying: ‘‘Come with me, poor Magery. We have been bereaved together; lot us go weep together, and comfort each.other. Adam has died | by his master, and he shall be buried by him.” (E(@) Eomicbooks