Weaker than a Woman — page 244: what you’re looking at

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

WEAKER THAN A WOMAN. 235 presence of the two doctors, however, irritated Sir Owen so greatly that they were compelled to go down stairs. Felix followed them. The night had grown cold and chill. A storm was brewing; the wind was wailing round the house, bending the tall trees, and robbing them of leaves. The servants were all up, and a fire had been lighted in the library. Felix ordered hot coffee, and sent some to his father and Lady Chevenix. “This is a terrbile state of things,” said one doctor to the other. ‘There seems to be no sense of what should be done. We ought to send for the vicar.” “Yes, it would be better,” agreed the other. “It would save appearances. But Iam no believer myself in death- bed conversions.” “You forget,” rejoined his friend, “that mercy may be extended even at the last moment.” “No; Ido not forget that. But I think the best prepara- tion for death is a good life. I would not change places with Sir Owen.” Felix sent at once for the Vicar of Lilford, and then re- turned to the baronet’s room, leaving the doctors together. Sir Owen had grown very quiet now. He lay with Vio- let’s hands clasped in his, as though, clinging to her, he could not die. Darcy Lonsdale sat at the other side, his kind, sensible face full of compassion. He had seen nothing in all his life that affected him as this death-bed scene did. The dying man looked up as Felix entered the room, and, taking one hand from Violet, held it out to him. “Tam no worse,” he said, but the voice was changed and faint: ‘‘ Have you sent the doctors home ?” Felix bent over him without replying, and there was such kindly sorrow and anxiety in his face that Sir Owen said : “You are a good friend—what I call a true friend. My dealing with you was not fair as regards Violet here. But you forgive me?” “Yes,” answered Felix, “I forgive you.” “Now look at me,” whispered the faint voice—look well atme. I feel weak, but that is through lying here so long, and being frightened. Tell me, do I seem lke a dying man ?”’ . With a woman’s weakness Felix bent lower over the face that a few hours since had seemed to him repulsive, so that Sir Owen should not see the tears which filled his eyes. (Ele) mn (Eo paylicel exeKo) .<