He was composed enough, however: 'I ought to be grateful,' said he; 'I wished to see my son, and God has granted me my wish; what more have I to do now than to bless my little family and go ?' My father's end was evidently at hand.
And did I shed no tears?
did I breathe no sighs?
did I never wring my hands at this period?
the reader will perhaps be asking.

Whatever I did and thought is best known to God and myself; but it will be as well to observe, that it is possible to feel deeply, and yet make no outward sign.
And now for the closing scene.
At the dead hour of night, it might be about two, I was awakened from sleep by a cry which sounded from the room immediately below that in which I slept.

I knew the cry, it was the cry of my mother; and I also knew its import, yet I made no effort to rise, for I was for the moment paralysed.

Again the cry sounded, yet still I lay motionless--the stupidity of horror was upon me.

A third time, and it was then that, by a violent effort, bursting the spell which appeared to bind me, I sprang from the bed and rushed downstairs.