Grace Darling, Heroine of the Farne IslandsFarningham, Marianne
History
Grace Darling, Heroine of the Farne Islands
Farningham, Marianne
Darling, Grace, 1815-1842; Women heroes -- England -- Northumberland -- Biography
of days for ever and ever." This life is but the beginning. It is
continued under other circumstances, and in a better land; and in that
land we may be sure Grace Darling has found a happy home.
She was never particularly robust. She had not a strong frame; and it
will be remembered that in our description of her in these pages, it
was remarked that she was of slight build, and had a clear complexion.
In the year 1851 [Transcriber's note: 1851 is what is in the book, but
since Grace Darling died in 1842, it should probably be 1841.], and
when she had only for a short time enjoyed the fruit of her heroic
deed, it became evident that her health was declining. There is always
room for hope, however, when the patient is young, and when, as in the
case of Grace, the disease is consumption. Its first attacks are so
insidious that the danger is not always realised. The victim looks
more lovely than ever, and so well besides, that it seems as if it
cannot be anything great that is the matter. And the symptoms do not
seem to be alarming. There is but a feeling of weakness and
weariness--a pain in the side, not very bad, perhaps, and a cough,
which may be only the result of a cold. There seems nothing to
frighten one in such common-place symptoms. Only, unfortunately, these
things are stubborn, and do not yield to treatment. And after a time,
it is seen that the flesh wastes, the eyes become bright, and there are
heavy night perspirations, especially towards morning. There is fever,
loss of strength, and loss of appetite, and at last the sad truth is
borne in upon the shrinking mind, that it is clearly a case of
consumption.
We can imagine what consternation this sad conviction brought to the
inmates of the Longstone lighthouse, for it is well known that there is
but little hope that consumption is ever curable. The friends of Grace
did the best they could; and toward the end of the year she removed to
Bamborough, her medical attendant having advised her to do so.
The removal probably prolonged her life for a season, for it was not
until the autumn of the following year that she died. But although she
lived on it was evident, even to herself, that no real good was being
done. She stayed some time, long enough to give the thing a fair
trial, hoping and patiently waiting for a change, but no change came.
Everything was done that could be to make the sufferer more
comfortable, and to keep her hopeful and happy. Indeed, Grace was very
tranquil, and even cheerful, though all this time she clung to life,
and would gladly have prolonged it if it had been possible.
"I think," she said, "that if I could be farther away from the sea, I
should perhaps get better."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account