Ready                   551
a week, sir, since I coughed at all. My death-bed has
been made quite pleasant for me. Except for weak-
ness, I am free from pain, and I have all things com-
fortable. I am rich in abundance; my wife waits upon
me night and day-she lets me want for nothing:
before I can express a wish, it is done. When I think
of all the favours showered down upon me, and how
little I can do, or have ever done, for God in return,
I am overwhelmed with shame."
  " Jenkins, one would almost change places with
you, to be in your frame of mind," cried Arthur, his
tone an impassioned one.
  " God will send the same frame of mind to all who
care to go to Him," was the reply. " Sir," and now
Jenkins dropped his voice, " I was grieved to hear
about Mr. Roland. I could not have thought it."
  "Ay; it was unwelcome news, for his own sake."
    I never supposed but that the post-office must
have been to blame. I think, Mr. Arthur, he must
have done it in a dream; like one, I mean, who has
not his full faculties about him. I hope the Earl of
Carrick will take care of him. I hope he will live
to come back a good, brave man ! If he would only
act less on impulse, and more on principle, it would
be better for him. Little Master Charles has been
ill, I hear, sir I should like to see him."
  " I will bring him to see you," replied Arthur.
  " Will you, sir" and Jenkins's face lighted up.
  I should like just to set eyes on him once again.
But-it must be very soon, Mr. Arthur."
  " You think so" murmured Arthur.
  " I know it, sir-I feel it. I do not say it before
my wife, sir, for I don't think she sees herself that I
am so near the end, and it would only grieve her. It
will grieve her, sir, whenever it comes, though she
may not care to show people that it does. I shall see
you again, I hope, Mr. Arthur"
  " That you shall be sure to do. I will not miss a
day now, without coming in. It will do me good to
see you, Jenkins; to hear you tell me, again, of your
happy state of resignation."
    It is better than resignation, Mr. Arthur; it is a
state of hope. Not but that I shall leave some regrets