be helped; this self-reproach for having said what had at thetime appeared to be wise, but which after events were proving to have been so foolish.  But her father was in too depressed a state of mind and body to struggle healthily; he would succumb to all these causes for morbid regret over what could not be recalled.  Margaret summoned up all her forces to her aid.  Her father seemed to have forgotten that they had any reason to expect a letter from Frederick that morning.  He was absorbed in one idea—­that the last visible token of the presence of his wife was to be carried away from him, and hidden from his sight.  He trembled pitifully as the undertaker’s man was arranging his crape draperies around him.  He looked wistfully at Margaret; and, when released, he tottered towards her, murmuring, ’Pray for me, Margaret.  I have no strength left in me.  I cannot pray.  I give her up because I must.  I try to bear it:  indeed I do.  I know it is God’s will.  But I cannot see why she died.  Pray for me, Margaret, that I may have faith to pray.  It is a great strait, my child.’

Margaret sat by him in the coach, almost supporting him in her arms; and repeating all the noble verses of holy comfort, or texts expressive of faithful resignation, that she could remember.  Her voice never faltered; and she herself gained strength by doing this.  Her father’s lips moved after her, repeating the well-known texts as her words suggested them; it was terrible to see the patient struggling effort to obtain the resignation which he had not strength to take into his heart as a part of himself.

Margaret’s fortitude nearly gave way as Dixon, with a slight motion of her hand, directed her notice to Nicholas Higgins and his daughter, standing a little aloof, but deeply attentive to the ceremonial.  Nicholas wore his usual fustian clothes, but had a bit of black stuff sewn round his hat—­a mark of mourning which he had never shown to his daughter Bessy’s memory.  But Mr. Hale saw nothing.  He went on repeating to himself, mechanically as it were, all the funeral service as it was read by the officiating clergyman; he sighed twice or thrice when all was ended; and then, putting his hand on Margaret’s arm, he mutely entreated to be led away, as if he were blind, and she his faithful guide.

Dixon sobbed aloud; she covered her face with her handkerchief, and was so absorbed in her own grief, that she did not perceive that the crowd, attracted on such occasions, was dispersing, till she was spoken to by some one close at hand.  It was Mr. Thornton.  He had been present all the time, standing, with bent head, behind a group of people, so that, in fact, no one had recognised him.

’I beg your pardon,—­but, can you tell me how Mr. Hale is?  And Miss Hale, too?  I should like to know how they both are.’

’Of course, sir.  They are much as is to be expected.  Master is terribly broke down.  Miss Hale bears up better than likely.’