you, remember that I sanction it--with my dying breath. But give her
time! I trust that to you! She is young, and the world is all
before her. Let her choose . . . and be loyal to her if it is
another! It may be a hard task, but I trust you, Harold. God bless
you, my other son!' He rose slightly and listened. Harold's heart
leaped. The swift hoof-strokes of a galloping horse were heard . . .
The father spoke joyously:

'There she is! That is my brave girl! God grant that she may be in
time. I know what it will mean to her hereafter!'

The horse stopped suddenly.

A quick patter of feet along the passage and then Stephen half
dressed with a peignoir thrown over her, swept into the room. With
the soft agility of a leopard she threw herself on her knees beside
her father and put her arms round him. The dying man motioned to
Harold to raise him. When this had been done he laid his hand
tenderly on his daughter's head, saying:

'Let now, O Lord, Thy servant depart in peace! God bless and keep
you, my dear child! You have been all your life a joy and a delight
to me! I shall tell your mother when I meet her all that you have
been to me! Harold, be good to her! Good-bye--Stephen! . . .
Margaret! . . . '

His head fell over, and Harold, laying him gently down, knelt beside
Stephen. He put his arm round her; and she, turning to him, laid her
hand on his breast and sobbed as though her heart would break.