THE DEATH OF SIR, TOM 351 



" Other refuge have I none," 



but it gained courage and persuasiveness until it 

 filled the room and the heart of the man with, 



" Cover my defenceless head, 

 With the shadow of Thy wing." 



A gentle smile and the relaxing of closed hands 

 completed the story of our loss, though the real 

 weight of it came days and months later. 



It was long before we could take up our daily 

 duties with anything like the familiar happiness. 

 Something had gone out of our lives that could 

 never be replaced, and only time could salve the 

 wounds. The dear man who had gone was no 

 friend to solemn faces, and living interests must 

 bury dead memories ; but it was a long time be- 

 fore the click of Jane's hammer was heard in her 

 forge ; not until Laura had said, " It will please 

 him, Jane." 



