Oldal 177 [177]
OCR
129 nappy with her for some years — too happy, perhaps, and it may be time that I should meet with some misfortune; but I hope it is not this.” s What misfortune, ma’am ?” inquired Oliver. c The heavy blow,” said the old lady, almost inarticulately, “of losing the dear irl who has so long been my comfort and appiness.”’ s Oh! God forbid!” exclaimed Oliver hastily. “Amen to that, my child!” said the old lady, wringing her hands. “Surely there is no danger of anything so dreadful!” said Oliver. "Two hours ago she was quite well.” “She is very ill now,” rejoined Mrs. Maylie, sand will be worse, I am sure, My dear, dear Rose! Oh, what should I do without her!" The lady sank beneath her desponding —— and gave way to such great grief that Oliver, suppressing his own emotion, ventured to remonstrate with her, and to beg earnestly that for the sake of the dear young lady herself she would be more calm. 6 And consider, ma’am,” said Oliver, as the tears forced themselves into his eyes despite his efforts to the contrary ; “oh! consider how young and good she is, and what pleasure and comfort she gives to all about her. I am sure—certain—quite certain—that for your sake, who are so yourself, and for her own, and for the sake of all she makes so happy, she will not die. God will never let her die yet.” “ Hush!" said Mrs. Maylie, laying her hand on Oliver’s head. You think like a child, poor boy ; and although what you say may be natural, it is wrong. But ésa teach me my duty notwithstanding. had forgotten it for a moment, Oliver, and I hope I may be pardoned, for I am old, and have seen enough of illness and death to know the pain they leave to those behind. I have seen enough, too, to know that it is not always the youngest and best who are spared to those that love them; but this should give us comfort rather than sorrow, for Heaven is just, and such things teach us impressively that there is a far brighter world than this, and that the sort, ~ to it is speedy. God’s»will be done! but I love her, and He alone knows how well !” Oliver was surprised to see that as Mrs. Maylie said these words she checked her Schantetions as though by one struggle, and, drawing herself up as she spoke, became quite composed and firm. He was still more astonished to find that this firmness lasted, and that under all the care and watching which ensued, Mrs. Maylie was ever ready and collected, performing all the duties which devolved upon her steadily, and, to all external appearance, even cheerfully. But he was young, and did not know what strong minds are capable of under trying circumstances. How should he, indeed, when their possessors so seldom know themselves ? An anxious night ensued, and when morning came Mrs. Maylie’s predictions were but too well verified. Rose was in the first stage of a high and dangerous fever. s We must be active, Oliver, and not give way to useless grief,” said Mrs. Maylie, laying her finger on her lip as she looked steadily into his face; “ this letter must be sent with all possible expedition to Mr. Losberne. It must be carried to the market-town, which is not more than four miles off by the foot-path across the fields, and thence despatched by an express on horseback straight to Chertsey. The people at the inn will undertake to do this, and I can trust you to see it done, I know.” Oliver could make no reply, but looked his anxiety to be gone at once. c Here is another letter,” said Mrs. Maylie, pausing to reflect; “ but whether to send it now, or wait until I see how Rose goes on, I scarcely know. I would not forward it unless I feared the worst.” “Ts it for Chertsey, too, ma’am ?” inquired Oliver, impatient to execute his commission, and holding out his trembling hand for the letter. “ No,” replied the old lady, giving it him mechanically. Oliver glanced at it, and saw that it was directed to Harry Maylie, Esquire, at some lord’s house in the country; where, he could not make out. “Shall it go, ma’am?’ asked Oliver, looking up impatiently. s] think not,” replied Mrs. Maylie, taking it back. “I will wait till to-morrow.” With these words she gave Oliver her purse, and he started off without more delay at the greatest speed he could muster. Swiftly he ran across the fields, and down the little lanes which sometimes divided them, now almost hidden by the high corn on either side, and now emerging into an open field where the
