Sir Richard gazed sadly now upon his nephew. “Don’t make yourself ill, Henry,” he said. “Bear up under this shock. If it makes you ill, it will be my death.” “I know you are too generous,” said Lord Avondale, “not to feel for me.” “I can’t stay any longer here,” said Sir Richard, weeping. “You look at me in a manner to break my heart. I will return to the castle; tell them all that has happened; and then bring the children to you at Allenwater. I will go and fetch Henry to you.” “I can’t see him now,” said Lord Avondale: “he is so like her.” “Can I do any thing else for you?” said Sir Richard. “Uncle,” said Lord Avondale mournfully, “go to the castle, and tell them I ask that every respect should be shewn in the last rites they offer to——” “Oh, I understand you,” said Sir Richard, crying: “there will be no need to say that—she’s lov’d enough.” “Aye that she was,” said the nurse; “and whatever her faults, there’s many a-one prays for her at this hour; for since the day of her birth, did she ever turn away from those who were miserable or in distress?” “She betrayed her husband,” said Sir Richard. “She had the kindest, noblest heart,” replied Lord Avondale. “I know her faults: her merits few like to remember. Uncle, I cannot but feel with bitterness the zeal that some have shewn against her.” “Do not speak thus, Henry,” said Sir Richard. “I would have stood by her to the last, had she lived; but she never would appear penitent and humble. I thought her wanting in feeling. She braved every one; and did so many things that....” “She is dead,” said Lord Avondale, greatly agitated. “Oh, by the affection you profess for me, spare her memory.” “You loved her then even——.” “I loved her better than any thing in life.” Sir Richard wept bitterly. “My dear boy, take care of yourself,” he said. “Let me hear from you.” “You shall hear of me,” said Lord Avondale. The admiral then took his leave; and Lord Avondale returned into Calantha’s apartment. The nurse followed. Affected at seeing his little girl, he prest her to his heart, and desired she might immediately be sent to Allenwater. Then ordering every one from the room, he turned to look for the last time upon Calantha. There was not the faintest tint of colour on her pale transparent cheek. The dark lashes of her eye shaded its soft blue lustre from his mournful gaze. There was a silence around. It was the calm—the stillness of the grave.