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. 
“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.” 
