Page:Lady Anne Granard 3.pdf/299

Rh regular, then pitiful, considerate, and generous—the heart that in his days of weakness misled him, in the days of humility and consideration consoled him—he lived to redeem his character, to benefit his family and his dependants, and the tears of many watered his grave. The "heart of flesh" may be remodelled, but the "heart of stone" is the same for ever, unmalleable, unsightly, and unfruitful. Letters and newspapers came in abundantly; they spoke of the triumphant close of the election, and assured Lady Anne, "that her advice had been strictly complied with, and had answered in every particular;" but alas! the good news arrived too late; the "dull, cold ear of death," long as it appeared to have been kept open for the very purpose of receiving this tale of triumph, had been compelled to yield, and there was nothing found likely to rejoice the hearts of the mourners, save in the belief that their sisters would soon be restored to them. Louisa was, indeed, already with them called thither by the death of her uncle, who, sooth to say, claimed the tenderest tears of all, before any learned the extent of their obligations. Whilst Mrs.