I.—THE LAST PARTING BETWEEN THE EARL OF DERWENT-WATER AND THE COUNTESS.
The last sad parting between the Earl of Dervventwater and the countess must now be detailed.
The interview took place in the prison-chamber in the Devereux Tower, and on the day before the execution.
After his condemnation, the earl had passed most of his time in prayer, and had so completely succeeded in reconciling himself to his fate, that he forbade the countess to make any further efforts for his deliverance. Indeed, after the escapes that had taken place, any fresh attempt would have been futile.
The unhappy countess was staying at Dagenham Park, an old manorial mansion, near Romford in Essex, belonging to a Roman Catholic family, and she came over every day to the Tower, accompanied by Father Norham, in the hope of seeing her husband.
Latterly, permission had been refused her, but, on the day before the execution, she was allowed to visit him with the priest.
Not having seen him for a few days, she was much struck by the change in his appearance. His countenance had a very serene expression. All trouble had vanished from it, and it was plain from his looks that his thoughts were fixed on high.
“You have no longer any fear of death, I perceive, my son,” said Father Norham.
“I have no desire for life, father,” he replied. “I am better prepared to die than I might be at a future time, were my days prolonged.”
“I shall soon rejoin you, my lord,” said the countess.