In this case the absence was a short one, for in four years the mother and daughter were together again. Mrs. Darling died on October 18th, 1848, and at the time of her death was seventy-four years old. The money which had been collected for Grace had been invested, and at her death the interest was paid to her father and mother, which greatly added to their peace and comfort during their declining years. Mr. Darling, the father of the heroine, and companion of her perils, lived until the year 1865. He was fourteen years younger than his wife; and when he died, on the 28th May, he was seventy-nine years old. After the death of his wife he left the lighthouse, and went to reside at Bamborough with his daughter.
Some thrilling and interesting stories are told of his youthful years.
When he was a little child, his father kept the Staple Island lighthouse. It was built on the south, that being the highest part, and it shared the fate of many other lighthouses, being carried away by the sea. One day the grandfather of Grace, who was looking out, saw an immense wave coming toward that part of the island where the house stood, which he felt sure must overwhelm it. With great presence of mind he rushed to his home, and hastily dragged his wife and child to a safe place. A few moments afterward, the wave swept over the spot, and completely carried away the lighthouse, and the home in which the Darlings lived. Had this happened in the night, or had the wave come unperceived, they must all have perished. As it was, they were without shelter or food until they were seen from the shore, when relief was sent to them.
William Darling had another narrow escape when he was about fourteen years old. At that time his father kept the light on the Brownsman, and the lighthouse was eighty feet high. The lad once went to the top and fell, but, fortunately, was caught about half-way by a projecting piece of wood. His father, having missed him, went to look for him, and was startled to find him apparently dead. He was taken into the house, however, and means were used for his restoration, which, after a few hours, were successful.
"My times are in thy hand,
Whatever they may be;
Pleasing or painful, dark or bright,
As best may seem to thee."
"My times are in thy hand,
Why should I doubt or fear?
A father's hand will never cause
His child a needless tear."
William Darling afterwards became a strong, fine fellow; and at the age of eighteen, was six feet two inches high. In his latter years he was very greatly respected by his numerous friends around Bamborough, who admired him, not only for the gallant deed which he achieved with his daughter, but for the sterling qualities of his life and character. He was buried with his wife and daughter, and a younger son, who had been the first to die, in Bamborough Churchyard, and the following is a copy of the inscription on their tomb:—
IN MEMORY OF
THOMASIN DARLING,
WIFE OF WILLIAM DARLING OF THE FARNE ISLES,
WHO DIED OCTOBER 16, 1848,
AGED 74 YEARS,
ALSO OF
GRACE HORSELEY DARLING,
THEIR DAUGHTER,
WHO DIED OCTOBER 20, 1842,
AGED 26 YEARS,
ALSO OF
JOB HORSELEY DARLING,
THEIR SON,
WHO DIED DECEMBER 6, 1830,
AGED 20 YEARS,
THE ABOVE
WILLIAM DARLING,
LATE OF THE LONGSTONE LIGHT, AND THE BELOVED
HUSBAND OF THOMASIN DARLING,
WHO DIED AT BAMBOROUGH, MAY 28, 1866,
AGED 79 YEARS.
There are at present, we believe, three of the surviving members of the family—one Thomasin, who lives in Bamborough, and who, as her sister's nurse and attendant in her last illness, deserves the respect of all who feel interested in Grace; Robert, who resides at Alnwick, and George, at North Sunderland.
The following acrostic will be interesting, because it was printed in gold letters on a beautiful silk cover, which enclosed the Pictorial Bible which was presented by the ladies of Swinton to Grace Darling:—