Rybrent De Cruce

Synopsis

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1829. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XIV. Mrs. Penelope, assisted by the other domestics, had in this interval arranged the body, and was now weeping in a chair by its side. She was, however, collected enough to answer Trefarley's inquiries, though he soon found she could give no satisfactory account of the event. Miss De Cruce, she said, had received her last medicine from the Miss Starinvilles only about ten minutes before his arrival, and had appeared then better than she had ever been since her attack; and she well recollected the pleasure with which the young ladies kissed the hand which their gentle patient held out to them, as if in thanks for their services. But it was growing dark, and as she seemed inclined to sleep, the Miss Starinvilles had sat in perfect silence by her bed, till Mrs. Penelope herself, being called to the door, had returned to tell them of the arrival that had taken place,, and of Mr. Trefarley's wish to see them. But I whispered it all so low, continued Mrs. Gripskirt, that Miss De Cruce could never have heard it, even if she had not been asleep, as we all then believed. I did certainly fancy, that as the young ladies moved towards the door, I saw her stir slightly in the bed; but I did not notice it to them, and, indeed, she remained from that time so still, that I was quite satisfied she was sleeping. Alas! I now fear that must have been her last movement; for she was quite cold and so stiff, poor lady! when we found her just now, that she must surely have expired at least an hour before. Mrs. Gripskirt paused for a moment, much affected, and then continued-- After the ladies were gone, I sat by the bed, thinking sadly of young Mr. De Cruce, and wishing I could hear what you were telling them, till I grew so mournful, I could sit in the dark no ...