he had to rest a little ere he
could give the necessary prompt instructions. Towards noon he revived,
and asked eagerly for Stephen Latrigg. A messenger was at once sent to
Up-Hill. He found Stephen in the barn, where the men were making the
flails beat with a rhythm and regularity as exhilarating as music.
Stephen left them at once; but, when he told Ducie what word had been
brought him, he was startled at her look and manner.

"I have been looking for this news all day: I fear me, Steve, that the
squire has come to 'the passing.' Last night I saw your grandfather."

"Dreamed of him?"

"Well, then, call it a dream. I saw your grandfather. He was in this
room; he was sorting the papers he left; and, as I watched his hands, he
lifted his head and looked at me. I have got my orders, I feel that. But
wait not now, I will follow you anon."

In the "Seat" there was a distinct feeling of consummating calamity. The
servants had come to a state of mind in which the expectation was rather
a relief. They were only afraid the squire might rally again. In Mrs.
Sandal's heart there was that resentful resignation which says to
sorrow, "Do thy worst. I am no longer able to resist, or even to plead."
Charlotte only clung to her dream of hope, and refused to be wakened
from it. She was sure her father had been worse many a time. She was
almost cross at Ducie's unusual visit.

About four o'clock Steve had a long interview with the squire. Charlotte
walked restlessly to and fro in the corridor; she heard Steve's voice,
strong and kind and solemn, and she divined what promises he was making
to the dying man for herself and for her mother. But even her love did
not anticipate their parting words,--

"Farewell, Stephen. Yet one word more. If Harry should come back--what
of Harry? Eh? What?"

"I will stand by him. I will put my hand in his hand, and my foot with
his foot. They that wrong Harry will wrong me, they that shame Harry
will shame me. I will never call him less than a brother, as God hears
me speak."

A light "that never was on sea or sky" shone in Sandal's fast dimming
eyes, and irradiated his set gray countenance. "Stephen, tell him at
death's door I turned back to forgive him--to bless him. I
stretch--out--my hand--to--him."

At this moment Charlotte opened the door softly, and waved Stephen
towards her. "Your mother is come, and she says she must see the
squire." And then, before Stephen could answer, Ducie gently put