“Aye,” he replied, with a sickened Look, “but I had a Dream last Night ... and, just now, as I came through Bishopgate Churchyard, a Crowd of People were watching a Ghost among the Tombs, that was signing to Houses that should be stricken, and to yet undug Graves.”
“Watching it?” said I. “Did you see it?”
“Well, I rather think I did,” said Mark, “but am not quite assured—the Press was very great. At any rate, I saw those who evidently did see it. My Wife has had her Fortune told, and the Fortune-teller avouched to her she should escape; so there’s the Ground of her Comfort. To make doubly sure, she wears a Charm. For me, I am neither for Charm nor Fortune-telling,—if I die, I die, and what then! I’ve often felt Life scarce worth keeping; only one don’t know what comes after!”
And, with a faint Laugh, he rose to go away. I said, “Mark! Mark!”
“What is it?” he said, and stopped. I said, “Don’t go away with that light Saying in your Mouth——”
He said, “Oh!” and smiling, opened the Door. I said, looking full at him, “Faith in God is the best Amulet.”
“It is,” he said more gravely; and went out.
Presently my Father came in to Supper; and sat down, while it was making ready, near the Window, looking out on the River quite calmly. Our large white Cat sat purring beside him. Stroking her kindly, he said, “Pussy, you must keep close, or your Days will be few ... they’ve given Orders, now, to kill all the Dogs and Cats. I believe, Cherry, we are as safe here as we should be in the privatest Retreat in the Kingdom, for Infection never harbours on the Bridge, the Current of Air always blows it away, one Way or the other. But, my dear, we may be called away at any Hour, and I never Sleep worse of a Night for bearing in Mind I may not see another Morning. But I rest all the peacefuller, Cherry, for knowing you will never be in want, though this poor Business should dwindle away to nothing. Master Benskin and Hugh Braidfoot know all about my little Hoard, and will manage it well for you, my Daughter. And now, let’s see what is under this bright little Cover. Pettitoes, as sure as London Bridge is built on Wool-packs!”
And he ate his frugal Meal cheerfully, I thinking in my Mind, as I had so often done before, that the firmest Heart is oft found in the littlest Body.