An agony of shame, of love, of regret and pleasure commingled seemed to sweep across Luke Ross, as, with convulsed face, he went down on one knee in the road and caught the little ones to his breast.
“My darlings!” he cried, hoarsely, as he kissed them passionately.
Then, with his eyes blinded by the hot tears of agony, he caught the blue envelope from his breast and pressed it into the youngest little one’s hands.
“Take it to mamma, my child, and say Luke Ross prays that it may make her happy.”
Then, unable to command his feelings, he turned and walked away.
Part 3, Chapter XI.
Luke Visits an Old Friend.
“Life is very short, my boy, a very little span,” seemed to keep repeating itself to Luke Ross’s ears, as he walked briskly across the fields trying to regain his composure, hardly realising that he was going in the direction of the rectory, till he had nearly reached the gates, when he paused, not daring to enter.