Meanwhile Agnes sleeps--forgets her griefs, and strengthens the feeble health which has worn to so delicate a thread; and Rose, sitting beside her, overcome by much watching, constant fatigue, and a sorrow no less present and engrossing than the young widow’s, falls into quiet slumber too, and has a faint pensive smile under the tears, which still fall in her dream; and Violet and Katie sit on the carpet at the drawing-room window, with their heads close together, learning other stitches. Sometimes, indeed, Lettie pauses to cry bitterly, and Katie wipes eyes which stream in sympathy; but they are both much absorbed with this delicate craft, and are calculating how many “holes” they could do in a day, and how they will be able to help Martha; so the children are comforted. And deep exhaustion and quietness is upon Allenders. Idly in the faint sunshine, Dragon sits on his stair-head, and thinks with a faint wonder of his own recovery and Mr. Harry’s death, and cannot apprehend that it is true, but listens still for his quick ringing footstep, and calls to John to inquire why Harry’s horse is left continually grazing in the meadow park; and John in the kitchen speculates in a subdued and sober tone, upon the changes which may happen, and thinks he will speak to the minister about a new place in case of the worst. In Maidlin Cross there is much speculation too, and they wonder if the family will stay at Allenders, and whether they will sell the land: but nothing is known; and many an honest sigh for poor Allenders heaves from the broad breasts of his labouring men, and many a cottage mother lifts her apron mechanically to her eye, when she speaks of the “weel-spoken,” kindly dead. Poor Harry! his whole world, gently and tenderly, let the veil of death fall over his evil deeds; remember only what he did well; and peace is upon his grave. CHAPTER XV. For mine inheritance I take this grave; Myself shall be its constant monument. I have spent all my tears. In other fashion Than with faint weepings must my dead be mourned. For on this little sod I have beside A battle-ground. Think you the caitiff shame Shall share this consecrated spot with me? OLD PLAY. “THEY must not bid me; I cannot sell the land,” said Martha, firmly. Young Mr. Dunlop, deputed by his father to offer any “reasonable” assistance in arranging her affairs, or any quantity of advice reasonable or otherwise, sat opposite her in the library; Cuthbert Charteris waited rather impatiently. They had been engaged in an important consultation when Mr. Dunlop entered, and Cuthbert was turning over some papers restlessly, and looking round now and then, as if about to speak; but young Mr. Dunlop still roused anything but peaceable feelings in Cuthbert’s mind, and he remained silent.