Page:History of Duncan Campbell, and his dog, Oscar (2).pdf/17



17 before him into the middle of the table—-took up a book that lay on the window, and looked over the pages—-Mary left the room. No answer was re- turned, nor any further inquiry made, and our little party broke in silence. When we met again in the evening, we were still all sullen. My father said, ‘You will soon forget us, Duncan: but there are some among us who will not so soon forget you.' Mary again left the room, and silence ensued, until the family were called together for evening worship. The next morning, after a restless night, Duncan rose early put on his best suit, and packed up some little articles to carry with him. I lay panting and trembling, but pretended to be fast asleep. When he was ready to depart, he took his bundle below his arm came up to the side of the bed, and listen- ed if I was sleeping. He then stood long hesitat- ing, looking wistfully to the door and then to me alternately; and I saw him three or four times wipe his eyes. At length he shook me gently by the shoulder and asked if I was awake. I feigned to start and answered as if half asleep. ‘I must bid you farewell,' said he, groping to get hold of my hand. ‘Will you not breakfast with us Duncan,' said I. ‘No,' said he, 'I am thinking that it is best to steal away, for it will break my heart to take leave of your parents, and—-‘ And who, Duncan?' said I. ‘And you,' said he: ‘indeed, but it is best Duncan,' said I, ‘we will all breakfast together for the last time, and then take a formal and kind leave of each other. We did breakfast together, and as the conversation turned on former days, it became highly interesting to us all.—- When my father had returned thanks