ABSTRACT
Sir Richard wished to say one word to console Lord Avondale; but he could not. He burst into tears; and knelt down by the side of Calantha. ‘I am an old man,’ he said. ‘You thought me severe; but I would have died, child, to save you. Look up and get well. I can’t bear to see this: – no, I can’t bear it.’ He now reproached himself. ‘I have acted rightly perhaps, and as she deserved; but what of that: if God were to act by us all as we deserve, where should we be? Look up, child – open your eyes again – I’d give all I have on earth to see you smile once on me – to feel even that little hand press mine in token of forgiveness.’ ‘Uncle,’ said Lord Avondale, in a falteringa voice, / whatever Calantha’s faults, she forgave every one, however they had injured her;b and she loved you.’ ‘That makes it all the worse,’ said the admiral. ‘I can’t believe she’s dead.’
