Vesta saw her husband's eyes twinkle as if he had heard the word, and it gave her a thought. She left the room, and returned with her boy, a fine young fellow, obedient to her wish. In his hand was his father's hat.
"What will you do if papa leaves us, Custis?" Vesta spoke, loudly, so that the dying man could hear.
"I will wear my forefather's hat, papa!" said the child.
The dying man drooped his eyes, as if to say "No," and looked fervently at his son and wearily at the old headpiece.
Vesta placed it on his pillow, and waited to know his next wish.
He made a sign, which they interpreted to mean,
"Lift me!"
He was lifted up, livid as the dead, and raised his eyes towards his forehead.
His wife set the Entailed Hat upon his temples.
"Bury it!" he said, in a distinct whisper, and passed away.