He had the air of saying, "We were all a
little excited last night. Let it pass."
For my own part I felt quite reassured. The Rector was in his sunniest
mood, and as he watched us from the window to the very last, his face
was so bright with smiles, that he hardly looked ill.
For some days Sweep and I were absent, fishing.
When I returned, I found on my mantelpiece a black-edged letter in an
unfamiliar hand. But for the black I should have fancied it was a
bill. The writing was what is called "commercial." I opened it and
read as follows:
"North Side Mills, Blackford,
Yorks. 4/8, 18--.
"SIR,
"I have to announce the lamented Decease of my
Brother--Reverend Reginald Andrewes, M.A.--which took place
on the 3rd inst. (3.35 A.M.), at Oak Mount, Blackford; where
a rough Hospitality will be very much at your Service,
should you purpose to attend the Funeral. Deceased expressed
a wish that you should follow the remains; and should your
respected Father think of accompanying you, the Compliment
will give much pleasure to Survivors.
"Funeral party to leave Oak Mount at 4 P.M. on Thursday next
(the 8th inst.
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