without seeming to be aware of them.
A short time after Cornelia came home, Doctor Moran returned from his professional visits. As he entered the room, his wife looked at him with a curious interest. In the first place, the tenor of her thoughts led her to this observation. She wished to assure herself again that the man for whom she had given up everything previously dear to her was worthy of such sacrifice. A momentary glance satisfied her. Nature had left the impress of her nobility on his finely-formed forehead; nothing but truth and kindness looked from his candid eyes; and his manner, if a little dogmatic, had also an unmistakable air of that distinction which comes from long and honourable ancestry and a recognized position. He had also this morning an air of unusual solemnity, and on entering the room, he drew his wife close to his heart and kissed her affectionately, a token of love he was not apt to give without thought, or under every circumstance.
“You are a little earlier to day,” she said. “I am glad of it.”
“I have had a morning full of feeling. There is no familiarity with Death, however often you meet him.”
“And you have met Death this morning, I see that, John?”
“As soon as I went out, I heard of the death of Franklin. We have truly been expecting the news, but who can prepare for the final ‘He is gone.’ Congress will wear mourning for two months, I hear, and all good citizens who can possibly do so will follow their example. The flags are at half-mast, and there is sorrow everywhere.”
“And yet, John, why?” asked Mrs. Moran. “Franklin has quite finished his work; and has also seen the fruit of all his labours. Not many men are so happy. I, for one, shall rejoice with him, and not weep for him.”
“You are right, Ava. I must now tell you that Elder Semple died this morning. He has been long sick, but the end came suddenly at last.”
“The dear old man! He has been sick and sorrowful, ever since his wife died. Were any of his sons present?”
“None of them. The two eldest have been long away. Neil was obliged to leave New York when the Act forbidding Tory lawyers to
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