24 BLACK. 



accompaniments of a protracted illness and a sick-bed. 

 He often indeed expressed a wish that he might be 

 spared this suffering, and that wish was fully gratified. 

 It seemed, said the Professor, as if he waited calmly 

 until the last stroke of his pulse should be given. It 

 is certain that he passed from this life so quietly as 

 not to spill a cup of milk and water (a customary din- 

 ner with him) which he at the moment was holding 

 in his hand, and which rested on his knee. His atten- 

 dants saw him in this posture, and left the room sup- 

 posing him still alive. On returning soon after they 

 saw him exactly sitting as before, and found that he 

 had expired. 



