Up in Ardmuirland by Michael Barrett
page 72 of 165 (43%)
page 72 of 165 (43%)
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every day.
"Robina Lamont wants me to go to that poor fellow," Val said one day. "She wants me to do what I can for him, as the doctor gives no hope of recovery. I can baptize him conditionally, of course, and I am starting now. Would you like to come, Ted?" I was most anxious to accompany him, and we set out at once for the Lamonts' cottage. Bildy looked frightfully wasted; his face was the color of parchment, and his brown eyes looked enormously large and startlingly bright. But what touched me more than his emaciated appearance was the wonderful expression of emotion which shone from those large eyes as we appeared at the bedside; they looked at Val with the yearning affection that one sees sometimes in a faithful dog. The poor fellow put out his white, wasted hand to Val with evident delight. "Bildy's been wearyin' for ye, Father," said Robina. "He's often cried out for Father Fleming." The dying man's eyes were proof that she spoke truly. The short ceremony was soon over, and after some prayers for the sick man we took our leave. For the few days that he lingered after that, the visit of the priest--twice every day and sometimes oftener--was the culminating point of satisfaction for poor Bildy. I was there with Val when the end came. Bildy passed away quite peacefully while we joined in the prayers for the dying; a calm smile |
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