And so a dread
which was just waking was laid to rest for ever; and when Ratsey went I
made up the fire, and lay down in the blankets in front of it, for I was
dog-tired and longed for sleep. I was already dozing, but not asleep,
when there was a knock at the door, and in walked Mr. Glennie. He was
aged, and stooped a little, as I could see by the firelight, but for all
that I knew him at once, and sitting up offered him what welcome I could.
He looked at me curiously at first, as taking note of the bearded man
that had grown out of the boy he remembered, but gave me very kindly
greeting, and sat down beside me on a bench. First, he lifted the sail
from the dead body, and looked at the sleeping face. Then he took out a
Common Prayer reading the Commendamus over the dead, and giving me
spiritual comfort, and lastly, he fell to talking about the past. From
him I learnt something of what had happened while I was away, though for
that matter nothing had happened at all, except a few deaths, for that
is the only sort of change for which we look in Moonfleet. And among
those who had passed away was Miss Arnold, my aunt, so that I was
another friend the less, if indeed I should count her a friend: for
though she meant me well, she showed her care with too much strictness
to let me love her, and so in my great sorrow for Elzevir I found no
room to grieve for her.
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