English fiction -- 19th century; Labor unions -- Fiction
“No, sir. I've learned, with a sad heart, what one day may bring forth.
After that, I'm sworn never to throw away a day. And, as for sitting
down and thinking, 'tis the worst thing I can do. I do thank God that in
this, my own heavy trouble, I'm not tied to my sad thoughts, but can get
about, and do a little of good for Raby House. Do what I will, 'tis but
giving them back one pig out of their own farrow; for we owe all we have
to them.”
With this she retired to prepare for her journey, leaving both the
gentlemen lost in admiration of her simple virtues, and the clear
intelligence she had shown them in few words.
She traveled into Wales that very day, and many a burst of bitter grief
she had all by herself in the train.
At six P.M. she stood before Mrs. Little with a smiling countenance.
Mrs. Little welcomed her with some little pleasure and much surprise.
“Good news, madam,” said Jael. “Squire Raby has sent me to bring you to
Raby Hall. He wanted to come himself, but I would not let him.”
“That is good news,” said Mrs. Little languidly. “Now I shall die at
peace with my brother--at peace with all mankind, I hope.”
“You'll die when your time comes,” said Jael. “But you have got a shorter
journey before you at present, and that is to Raby Hall.”
“Raby Hall! I shall never see it again. I have no strength to move. I am
worn out with the battle of life. Stay with me here, and close my eyes.”
“Of course I shall stay with you,” said Jael, and began to gossip with
every appearance of carelessness.
Next morning, with infinite difficulty, she persuaded the poor jaundiced
lady to show her Aberystwith. She took the tickets herself, and got her
patient half-way to Hillsborough; next day, with less difficulty, to
Raby Hall. All had been settled before. Edith little was shown into her
old bedroom, adorned with pyramids of flowers in her honor; and there
she found a loving line from Guy, begging her pardon for his past
harshness, and telling her she was to send for him as soon as she felt
strong enough to meet.
That evening brother and sister were clasped in each other's arms, and
wept tears of affection and regret over each other.
Jael Dence slept on a camp-bed in Mrs. Little's room, which was very
spacious, and watched her, and was always about her. Under private
advice from Dr. Amboyne, she superintended her patient's diet, and, by
soft, indomitable perseverance, compelled her to walk every day, and
fight against her fatal lassitude.
Heaven rewarded her by giving her a warm and tender affection for her
poor patient that did something to fill her own yearning and desolate
heart.
Here I must leave them both for the present, and show how these events
affected the main characters of my story.
CHAPTER XXXVII.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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