He stooped to his face and said,
cheerfully, "You will not go alone then, dear uncle; I am glad for
your sake!"
"Ay; it's nearly time to go. It's a bit sudden at last; but I'm ready.
I wish Antony hed got here; tell them to come, and to bring t' little
lad."
There was no disputing the change in the face, the authority of the
voice. Gently they gathered around him, and Elizabeth laid the sleeping
child on a pillow by his side. Richard saw him glance at the chubby
little hand stretched out, and he lifted it to the squire's face. The
dying man kissed it, and smilingly looked at Elizabeth. Then he let
his eyes wander to Richard and his daughter-in-law.
"Good-bye, all!" he whispered, faintly, and almost with the pleasant
words upon his lips he went away.
In a few hours the Christmas waits came singing through the park, and
the Christmas bells filled the air with jubilant music; but Squire
Henry Hallam had passed far beyond the happy clamor. He had gone home
to spend the Christmas feast with the beloved who were waiting for
him; with the just made perfect; with the great multitude which no
man can number.
CHAPTER VIII.
"We are here to fight the battle of life, not to shirk it."
"The last days of my life until to-day,
What were they, could I see them on the street
Lie as they fell.
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