348 THE FAT OF THE LAND 



but the physician neither. After thoroughly 

 examining the patient, he simply confirmed our 

 fears. 



" Serious disease to overcome, and only scant 

 vital forces; no reasonable ground for hope." 



Sir Tom gave me a smile as I entered the 

 room after parting from the specialist. 



" I've discounted the verdict," said he, " and 

 the foreman needn't draw such a long face. I've 

 had my fling, like a true Irishman, and I'm ready 

 to pay the bill. I won't have to come back for 

 anything, Williams ; there's nothing due me ; but 

 I must look sharp for William and the old girl 

 in the kitchen, faithful souls, for they will 

 be strangers in a strange land. Will you send 

 for a lawyer ? " 



The lawyer came, and a codicil to Sir Thomas's 

 will made the servants comfortable for life. All 

 that day and the following night we hung around 

 the sick bed, hoping for the favorable change that 

 never came. On the morning of the 17th it was 

 evident that he would not live to see the sun go 

 down. We had kept all friends away from the 

 sick chamber ; but now, at his request, Polly, 

 Jane, and Laura were summoned, and they came, 

 with blanched faces and tearful eyes, to kiss the 

 brow and hold the hands of this dear man. He 

 smiled with contentment on the group, and 

 said : 



"Me friends have made such a heaven of this 

 earth that perhaps I have had me full share." 



