"Because I wish it!" he answered, with a slight touch of obstinacy—then, smiling rather wistfully, he added, "It will comfort me to know you have it in your own possession. And Mary—promise me that you will let no one—not even Angus—see or touch these papers!—that you will take the parcel just as you find it, straight to the person to whom it is addressed, and deliver it yourself to him! I don't want you to swear, but I want you to put your dear kind hand in mine, and say 'On my word of honour I will not open the packet old David has entrusted to me. When he dies I will take it my own self to the person to whom it is addressed, and wait till I am told that everything in it has been received and understood.' Will you, for my comfort, say these words after me, Mary?"
"Of course I will!"
And placing her hand in his, she repeated it slowly word for word. He watched her closely as she spoke, her eyes gazing candidly into his own. Then he heaved a deep sigh.
"Thank you, my dear! That will do. God bless you! And now to bed!"
He rose somewhat unsteadily, and she saw he was very weak.
"Don't you feel so well, David?" she asked, anxiously. "Would you like me to sit up with you?"
"No, no, my dear, no! All I want is a good sleep—a good long sleep. I'm only tired."
She saw him into his room, and, according to her usual custom, put a handbell on the small table which was at the side of his bed. Charlie, trotting at her heels, suddenly began to whimper. She stooped and picked the little creature up in her arms.
"Mind you ring if you want me," she said to Helmsley then,—"I'm just above you, and I can hear the least sound."
He looked at her earnestly. His eyes were almost young in their brightness.