One long sigh, and Sir Henry had gone to finish his plea for pardon in the presence of Heaven itself.
*****
But Michael sat pondering long by the dead man's side, pondering on many things, till the candles guttered and went out with a final flare, leaving him alone in the darkness with Death.
Yet he was not afraid, even though the sigh which broke from his lips presently was half a sob.
Supposing his father were yet alive?
"I swear."
It was the mute reiteration of an oath.