"So it is, then. And I've got a letter here that you must take to him. Such a man you be now! Here 'tis—you run down along with it and tell him mother's sent it. Quick! How fast he's walking!"
She gave her child the letter and a long kiss. After that he trotted off to meet his father.
Sarah Jane watched him; then turned and took his toy from its hiding-place. It was the famous old knife which she had seen so often in her father's hand. The blade was blunt, but that mattered not, for her Roman spirit turned to the point.
"'Tis my heart did wrong," she said; "'tis my heart——"
The child ran to Brendon and jumped into his arms, as he was wont to do.
"A letter from mother, daddy," he cried; "I've carried it safe for 'e."
Deep soul movements had swept Daniel as he climbed to the crowns of the land. He began to ask himself questions; his heart shook and bled within him; he prayed to his God; he humbly implored his God; but no answer came. Therefore he went onward—since the Almighty's mind was unshaken. Then came the child, and he took the letter and doubted not that the Father of Mercy had, even at this last hour, dictated it to her who sent it. Now he was to learn what he must do. While he opened it he walked on, until he had reached within fifty yards of the ruin.
After he had read it, he stood still a moment and considered. He doubted not that his wife's eyes were upon him.
The letter was very short:—
"My dear, they say you have come. I know. I'll spare you that.—Your true love."