lightful to us that we should be willing to remain here for ever."

Denham spoke to his friend in the same strain. Often did his heart
swell within him as he had to address the dying youth, and many a time
he dashed away from his eyes the fast-falling tears as he thought that
in a few days they must part, never again to meet in this world. He had
seen several of his shipmates cut down by the sword of the enemy. Young
as he was, death was no stranger to him. The saddest loss he had ever
yet experienced was that of his brave and gentle friend, with his youth
and 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. He
sat, as usual, in his chair, with his sweet sister on one side and his
friend Denham on the other. His hands were placed in theirs. He felt
that 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. Denham
felt that he could not venture to comfort her; he dared not even trust
his voice in words. Happily, Sophy came in, and the attendants were
summoned, and Nora was led away to her chamber.

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

"I will write to Captain Falkner," he said. "He will not insist upon
your returning on board just now. I must have you with me. You are my
son's dearest friend. I know that from the way he spoke of you. I
cannot 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 be
done;' perhaps, after all, the poor lad would have found that he had but
a scant inheritance to support his title."

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

CH